"Virtualization" is one of the hottest trends in IT management, and according to recent research conducted by Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) 75 percent of enterprises have already deployed virtualization in one form or another. The results show the overall virtualization market growing by approximately 26 percent annually. EMAs research also reveals several common success strategies that IT professionals can utilize to accelerate deployments, including taking a very deliberate and careful approach to planning and making sure that any virtualization initiative is closely aligned with and supports specific corporate goals.

As the leading research and consulting firm focused exclusively on all aspects of IT management, EMA recently conducted an extensive, in-depth study of the IT virtualization market to identify the Top 10 factors to consider before deploying a virtualization process. "A lot of questions should come to mind when considering virtualization," said Andi Mann, EMAs senior analyst and the project lead for the research. "Do you have the right skills? Can you accept the risks? Most importantly, will it help meet your business goals?"

The Top 10 factors focused on three main areas -- human issues, security and risk, and technical management. "Almost all of the Top 10 came down to these three areas," said Mann.

For example, EMA research found that 74 percent of enterprises that have not deployed virtualization are not sure that they have the skills to do so. "Even of the enterprises that have deployed virtualization, over half still report that they do not have the appropriate skills," said Mann. The report emphasizes the importance of training, consulting with experts, and working with peers through user groups and internally, to avoid some of the human issues.

On security and risk, the research explains how virtualization means more systems to secure, more points of entry, more holes to patch and more interconnections. "It also introduces entirely new forms of malware that are virtually undetectable with current tools -- that is a major concern that no one has solved," said Mann. The report recommends specific actions to address security and risk, such as a phased approach to virtualization, and not locating mission-critical applications together on a single physical system. Despite the current hype surrounding virtualization, it even suggests that highly risk-averse organizations should consider deferring plans for virtualization due to the unsolved security and risk issues.

Technical management is also a big issue. The report advises enterprises that addressing technical issues early can be the difference between success and failure for virtualization deployments. The research highlights many specific issues including VM sprawl, hardware compatibility and software support -- and recommends ways to deal with them, like deploying capacity planning, configuration management and cost accounting procedures. "These are just a few of the technical issues that can sink a virtualization strategy if you dont get them right," said Mann.

Maybe the most important factor in the Top 10 is perhaps the most overlooked in the rush to virtualization: will virtualization help meet strategic business goals? Enterprises face many different choices and each requires a different approach. "EMA recommends that organizations take the time to clearly define realistic goals before deploying virtualization," said Mann. "For example, cost saving may be an initial goal that is set at the onset. But our research shows it is one of the least likely outcomes. Enterprises must instead look to long-term strategic benefits and view virtualization as a long-term opportunity. The enterprises that approach virtualization carefully as a strategy, not just a project, will be better positioned to benefit in the long run."

For more information, please send your e-mails to swm@infothe.com.

ⓒ2007 www.SecurityWorldMag.com. All rights reserved.