Applying Virtual Server Technology to a Local Government IT infrastructure

Abstract

Virtualisation brings the concepts of modularity and platform independence to server infrastructure. It allows for resources to be abstracted from underlying hardware which delivers unprecedented flexibility to the IT infrastructure. In a virtual environment the hardware and software resources are encapsulated to a file image. This makes it possible to run multiple servers on the same hardware and to copy or move server image files to any location. Local government is under ever-increasing demands for IT services from internal users as well as customers and suppliers. There is constant demand for new servers but additional budget is not available. There is also a growing requirement to be able to quickly recover data and services. This project was set in a local government service in Ireland (Kerry County Council), which was currently using physical server environments. The project aimed to review and assess the suitability of servers for virtualisation in this setting. It compared the benefits and drawbacks of virtualisation between the findings of this project, and the primary research findings of larger enterprises¿ experiences of the software. The project also included the development of a methodology for implementing and managing a virtual server environment in a local government service (or similar work environment). The case study in the project shows that it is possible to derive significant benefits and cost savings from implementing virtualisation technology in a local government service. However there are also significant management challenges to consider and careful planning is needed for implementation of the technology. The methodology for implementing and managing a virtual server environment, which has been developed in the project, can guide IT departments in similar settings about the potential benefits, challenges and planning needed when considering a virtual server environment.