Today, more and more companies are using virtual technology to manage information in data centers. While virtual servers have become increasingly popular, physical servers remain valuable. Both server types have their own strengths and best uses.
When enhancing your computer system, your company must decide between physical or virtual servers. This article dissects the distinctions between virtual and physical servers, enabling you to make informed decisions for your network requirements.
How are physical servers different from virtual servers?
Let’s break down the differences between the two types of servers.
Physical servers
A physical server is like a traditional computer tower but beefed up for heavy-duty tasks. It’s a dedicated machine with hardware components, such as CPU, RAM, storage, and network interface card, all housed in a casing.
Many advantages come with using a physical server:
- Dedicated resources – A physical server always performs well because it doesn’t share resources with other tasks.
- Raw power – It’s perfect for big tasks, such as complex simulations or video editing, that require tremendous computing power.
- Direct hardware access – You can adjust how it works or add parts to improve its performance.
- Customization – You can tweak its hardware and software to fit your company’s specific needs to improve its best performance and compatibility.
- Enhanced security – It’s more secure because you have tight control over who has access to it, reducing the risk of problems compared to shared virtual setups.
However, there are also downsides to using a physical server:
- Costly – It can be expensive to get and keep the physical parts, especially if you need many servers.
- Limited scalability – If you want to do more things and expand your resources, you’ll have to buy new hardware, making it less flexible to changing requirements.
- Space consumption – Each server needs room, potentially causing clutter as well as higher energy bills.
Virtual servers
Think of a virtual server as a software-based counterpart of physical servers. It’s a virtual environment created on a physical server using virtualization software. It allows multiple virtual servers, called virtual machines, to run on a single physical server, sharing its power and resources.
Here are the pros of using a virtual server:
- Cost effectiveness – A virtual server saves money by maximizing existing hardware, so it’s great for smaller budgets or changing needs.
- Scalability – With a virtual server, you can easily add or remove resources as needed based on your current needs.
- Flexibility – You can quickly move virtual servers between physical servers, making them easier to manage.
- Disaster recovery – It’s easier to recover from disasters since you can quickly save and bring back virtual machines, reducing downtime.
- Security – Virtual servers can enhance security by isolating different tasks. This means that an issue in one area, such as a specific application, is less likely to impact other tasks running on the same server.
However, using a virtual server has limitations:
- Shared resources – Other virtual servers operating concurrently on the same physical machine, particularly during periods of high usage, may affect the performance of a virtual server.
- Limited hardware access – You cannot fine-tune or incorporate additional components as you would in a physical server.
- Software dependency – Virtual servers rely on the physical server and specialized software, contributing to higher levels of complexity.
How to choose the best server for your business
The best choice of server depends on your business’s specific needs and priorities. Consider the following factors:
- Performance requirements – For demanding tasks, a physical server might be better.
- Scalability needs – Virtual servers offer more flexibility if you expect varying workloads.
- Budget – Virtual servers are generally more cost effective, especially for smaller deployments.
- In-house expertise – Managing physical servers often requires having an in-house IT team, which can be costly.
Making the right choice of server for your business can be difficult. Why not consult with our IT experts at SpectrumWise? We have provided state-of-the-art technology, cybersecurity, and excellent IT support services to small- and medium-sized businesses in Charlotte, NC and across the Carolinas for over 20 years. Schedule a consultation with us today.
