VMs are software-based systems that function as completely independent computers within a hardware system. They utilize a piece of software called a hypervisor that separates hardware resources, such as CPU, memory and storage. A virtual machine can then operate a different OS for instance, Windows for business applications or Linux for software development.
Virtual systems lower the risk of a system failure, and let you restore your data quickly back to a previous point in time. You can also test and deploy new or legacy applications in a sandbox environment to ensure that they function exactly as you would expect, without disrupting production.
You can deploy multiple VMs on one physical machine which will reduce your operating and capital expenses. It also eliminates duplicate backup systems and reduces the amount of data you need to maintain. Furthermore, with cloud-based VMs it is easy to access your data from any location that has an internet connection. It will also eliminate the need for offsite backup locations.
A VM can be used on any hardware that can meet your needs for performance including servers and desktops. Each Hypervisor has pros and cons that are vital for small businesses. VMware file management software vSphere and ESX/ESXi are an extremely popular choice. This is an enterprise-ready solution with increased security hosts that can be created with up to 128 vCPUs, 6 TB of RAM. the ability to access roles, extensive logging and auditing. Microsoft Hyper-V is another popular option. It is less expensive and simpler to manage than vSphere but offers the same capabilities.