| Many companies run a website or host of websites | | | | company websites that are smaller in size and have |
| through a server virtualisation. Server virtualisation is | | | | no plans to grow in the future. |
| the use of one large server that hosts a number of | | | | There are a few drawbacks to server virtualisation |
| sites, as compared to all the sites being run on their | | | | that can prevent a site from running smoothly. First is |
| own individual server. There are many pros and cons | | | | the issue of availability. If a number of sites are |
| that come along with virtualisation that will be | | | | owned by one company but split on the server that |
| discussed here. | | | | is being shared, if that particular server goes down all |
| The main reason that a website would choose to use | | | | the sites go down and are unavailable to the public at |
| a server virtualisation is to cut back on costs. The | | | | that time. This is a drawback as there is no backup. |
| costs of sharing a server as opposed to have an | | | | It's a temporary problem and a rather rare one. |
| individual server for that site is very different. By | | | | Another drawback to server virtualisation is the |
| sharing a server with a number of other sites this | | | | security. Although the majority of the time a site is |
| allows the cost to be split for that server amongst | | | | secure and can be accessed with no problems. There |
| the several companies. | | | | are occasional times when this isn't the case and the |
| Another reason is bandwidth. A smaller site that | | | | information from one site is viewable accidentally by |
| doesn't need a lot of bandwidth really doesn't need all | | | | any other log in user on that server. This is another |
| the space that a single server will offer. Not only will | | | | rare problem with a server virtualisation but it can |
| it cut costs but it gives the site just the right amount | | | | happen and those considering going this route with |
| of web space without having to pay for any | | | | their website should consider these positives and |
| unwanted or unused space. This is a good option for | | | | negatives. |