Virtualization Lesson #2: The Sorcerer's Apprentice

There's a downside to virtualization. It’s easy to look at the great virtualization tool in the cloud and consider it the magic solution for data consolidation, centralization and cost-savings. But, it really provides only one solution: making information easier to manage or provision.

 But, just because you’ve consolidated and centralized, the complexity doesn't disappear. In virtualization, every time you cut something in two, it splits in two again. In any situation, it’s difficult to control the management of 60 items.

 So, like the Mickey Mouse character in Disney’s The Sorceror’s Apprentice, a lay IT guy who sees an opportunity and figures he can quickly replicate many items and consolidate the work, will most likely succeeded in creating only chaos.

 The solution is to put in place a “wizard” who understands virtualization is a complex process. You need an IT pro who understands the components and the steps needed to keep everything under control and running smoothly, someone to manage all the necessary and correct layers of security, software, licenses, and more.

 The moral? If you just approach virtualization like a Sorcerer’s Apprentice, things can get out of control quickly. With a wizard in tight control, virtualization can provide an organization with solid cost savings.

 What experience have you had with using virtualization? Can you share any tips about keeping it under control?