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Server virtualization has led to cost savings through server consolidation, and desktop virtualization promises efficiency gains in terms of desktop management; but storage virtualization is a missing link CIOs can use to maintain efficiencies and savings across the virtual infrastructure.

At its basic premise, storage virtualization allows you to pool storage for better capacity allocation and management.

"Data is now in a logical pool, so the IT staff only gives out the amount of storage that is needed, versus overallocating storage, which is what usually happens when storage isn't virtualized," said Mike Piltoff, senior vice president with IT service provider Champion Computer Solutions LLC, of Boca Raton, Fla.

Efficiency gains can also be significant: Nonvirtualized storage arrays typically have a utilization rate of about 35%, while virtualized storage arrays give you a utilization rate of about 80%, Piltoff said.

Because storage is being pooled more efficiently, CIOs have a better understanding of how many new storage arrays and devices need to be purchased as their virtual infrastructure grows -- as opposed to "sticking a finger in the air and judging the wind to make the best guess... More...

benefits, companies must take a different approach to outsourcing. First, they must determine whether it makes sense to outsource a process in the first place. This requires an understanding of the human and... More...

your question. Let me answer your question by first stating that "outsourcing governance" is not an option -- it's a requirement. In an era where we operate under laws like Sarbanes-Oxley, we can no longer use "ignorance" as an... More...

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Learn how to avoid common desktop virtualization design-stage mistakes...

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Making a business case for server virtualization is pretty straightforward: consolidate servers, and the ROI is... More...

Implementing an IT governance framework is increasingly important to public sector organizations as they seek to... More...

Companies did not sit on their hands and watch their outsourcing agreements sail by in 2009. As reported in part one of... More...

Cloud computing is met by many skeptics today, but during the next few years more standards will emerge and most concerns about cloud security and compliance will be addressed. Ten years from now, companies that sat on the sidelines and bypassed the cloud computing movement will find it hard to compete due to higher costs of assets, less flexibility, higher... More...

Outsourcing success depends on much more than creating a solid strategy and selecting a compatible vendor. Ongoing maintenance and management of supplier relationships are the true success factors in achieving long-term outsourcing benefits.

Here are some IT sourcing and procurement dos and don'ts to help you manage your outsourcing suppliers and... More...