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Articles for February 2013

Server Virtualization: Avoid The Mistakes

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server virtualization
Server Virtualization is the ability to run multiple servers and applications on fewer physical servers. The time when each physical server was used to run a single application is becoming a thing of the past and IT Departments are delivering much better capabilities with a smaller footprint via virtualization than they were with traditional physical servers.

In traditional IT infrastructure, multiple servers are used for various tasks and operations thus use only 10% of their capacity and computing power. This has been, in most cases, a planned outcome in preparation for scalability (or growth) and handle unexpected resource needs. Virtualization spreads the wealth of power and capacity across multiple virtual servers while allowing for expanded resources to servers as needed. This can save on cost of hardware and implementation.

Server virtualization shares a lot of benefits with Cloud Computing including:
• Utilization of resources
• High Availability for applications
• Reduced maintenance costs

Virtualization is, in fact, software installed on traditional server hardware. This software supports a number of different virtual servers, each with its own operating system and applications. Several physical servers are teamed together in an infrastructure called a Virtual Server Farm. This increases the utilization of the servers and the Return On Investment you have made in hardware and software. However, before beginning the process of virtualizing your server base there are a few considerations that any IT administrator needs to keep in mind.

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Could Technology Be The Answer To A Physician Shortage?

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Doctor Examining Womans ThroatOn February 4, The Wall Street Journal covered and profiled a heated discussion that is taking place in the state of Kentucky to change the law covering the ability of Physician’s Assistants (PA) and Nurse Practitioners (NP) to treat patients without having 18 months of direct supervision by a Physician (MD).

Physician’s Assistants and Nurse Practitioners argue that they are capable of treating patients without direct supervision. They believe that the occasional phone consultation is all that is necessary. Physicians are worried that phone consultation may not suffice, thus leaving them open to all kinds of malpractice problems. The Physician’s Assistants and Nurse Practitioners believe that 18 months is a long time to have to work under direct physical supervision of a physician. Currently it is the longest direct supervision period in the medical field inside the U.S. to date.

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Windows 8: The Beginners Guide

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Windows 8Windows 8 is a bold new interface designed for touch-enabled devices. But for keyboard and mouse users it can be extremely confusing and frustrating to use, with many controls now hidden for touch screen purposes. Using Windows 8 without loosing your mind can be a daunting task.

So, if you’ve just started using Windows 8 and wondering where to begin and where everything went, you are not alone. Many people have just went to their local Big Box Store and purchased a new PC with Windows 8 on it.

First, all of the controls and features of Windows 7 are still there, just not in the same place. If your upgrading from Windows XP, just try and relax. We will get you through this. Here are some basic fundamentals on how to navigate Windows 8.

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Why Do We Need Battery Backups?

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Powerloss at Superbowl Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), or also known as battery backups, keep your computers and network devices (routers and switches) from shutting down unexpectedly if the power goes out. This is typically the definition given for “What is a UPS?”. However, a UPS does much more than just “keep the lights on”. So why do you need a UPS? Here are four reasons to consider a UPS (or two) for your computers and network.

Power Surges

 A Power Surge can increase the potential power coming from an outlet in your home or office to any device plugged in at the time. Devices such as PCs, Servers, and Network devices can suffer damage if the power surge is too great or if too many occur over a long period of time. Most UPS have built-in surge protectors to prevent surges from reaching your devices.

Brownouts

 Brownouts occur when the voltage drops below the required level to run lighting, PCs, and other devices. Brownouts can happen without you even noticing. They are most commonly noticed when the lights dim. In old or poorly wired buildings, brownouts can occur up to five to ten times a day. While brownouts don’t normally damage lights, furnaces, or A/C units they can severely damage PCs, Servers, and Network devices. A UPS can protect your devices by supplementing power to your device from it’s battery.

Data Loss

 Data loss is often suffered if a PC improperly shuts down while it is in the process of saving data. This can happen if the power flashes or goes out all together. In worst case scenarios a power flash or outage can cause a PC or Servers hard drive to crash. This can be costly to repair. A UPS can prevent power flashes from damaging your PC and properly shut down your system in the event of an outage.

Lost Productivity

 When your computer systems and networks are down due to a power flash or outage, data such as contact lists, emails, documents, product reports, and more can be unavailable thus potentially costing you not only lost productivity but also time and money. UPS battery backups can keep your company up and running without interruption for short periods of time. Adding a backup generator to a UPS configuration can keep your company running for as long as necessary until power is restored.

The Bottom Line

 Whether you have one PC or a hundred PCs, UPS battery backups can save you time and money. Just think how much time and money the Superdome might have saved by having backup power during the Superbowl?