Virtualization
Virtual computing systems are systems that live in a virtual space on a computing platform, and often do not require the amount of resources that are traditionally required of a dedicated software system. As a result, companies are finding that they can “do more with less”. Operate several systems on the same hardware, or use dissimilar hardware to migrate systems. Deploy a test environment, then quickly redeploy the test environment again with different parameters.
The benefits are myriad – save money on heating & cooling, utility costs, space costs, personnel. Accelerate deployment of software iterations, maintain outdated software versions, facilitate rapid recovery of data.