Issue link: http://hub-fr.insight.com/i/532074
10 ✓ Greater efficiency: Data centers typically run 24/7 so servers are plugged in and using energy around the clock. However, according to a September 2013 Gartner report, Maverick Research: Peer-to-Peer Sharing of Excess IT Resources Puts Money in the Bank, 'Other IT infrastructure utilization rates can be quite low as well – for example, servers often have a utilization rate of less than 10%, while storage utilization is a bit higher but still below 50% in many cases'. Virtualization cuts this back with shared hardware, software and infrastructure. ✓ Head-start to the cloud: Virtualization is a strong step in the direction of the cloud – a step that most companies are already taking. In fact, 55 per cent of business-unit aligned developers in IT operations consider private cloud a top infrastructure priority, according to Predictions For 2014: Cloud Computing, a December 2013 report from Forrester Research, Inc. This is further proof that all the pieces of a modern data center are being influenced, at least in part, by the cloud. Companies that virtualize their servers and abstract their day-to-day operations from the underlying hardware are positioned to leverage cloud services if and when it make sense. As with all change, there are growing pains as well as significant opportunities. One thing is certain. In looking at all the trends and statistics from industry watchers, it's clear that virtualization is here to stay, and that's a good thing – especially for those who help drive the evolution.