Virtual containers are changing the way business IT design and support are carried out, just like virtualization technology did a few years ago. If your small business could benefit from reduced computer hardware costs and increased workplace efficiency, it’s time to learn more about containers.

Cloud computing and virtualization are similar but that doesn’t mean that one can be substituted for the other. Each has its own benefits, so it pays to know how both work, so you can take advantage of them.

Virtualization
Imagine a company with five servers, each assigned a single task such as storage, email, etc.

Small- and medium-sized business (SMB) owners make the mistake of thinking all of their problems can be solved by migrating to the cloud. They forget that there’s still configuring and maintaining servers to worry about; the only difference is that these tasks are done over the internet.

While many IT providers tout the revolutionary benefits of the cloud, very few address the security aspect of it. The fact is, when you’re using a cloud service, you’re moving information out of your hands and into a third party. So doesn’t it make sense to take precautions? Dropbox alone has had the accounts of nearly seven million users hacked.

When it comes to the cloud, small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) may be compelled to choose either a private or a public cloud infrastructure. But there's a third option, and it's called the hybrid cloud.

Hybrid clouds are a combination of private and public clouds.

Virtualization and cloud computing are two technologies that have long been confusing business owners. But that shouldn't be the case. Understanding the differences between the cloud and virtualization is the fastest way to use these technologies to your greatest advantage.

If you’re deterred by heavy-duty full machine Virtualization, then the open-source container platform developed by Docker is something you might want to keep a lookout for, as it promises to change the future of IT. Learn more about how containers can help your business boom.

The next big thing in cloud computing is capturing small-business owners’ attention, and it’s easy to see why. Even after migrating to the cloud, businesses are still forced to deal with configuring and maintaining servers; it’s just done over the internet.

Advancements in business IT have always been driven by a need to get more done, in less time. It used to be about how fast your employees’ computers were, but as more tasks are moved to the cloud, companies like Google are finding new ways to improve how those services are delivered.

If your business is considering cloud virtual desktops, you’ve undoubtedly looked into Amazon Web Services. AWS offers one of the most reliable and easily accessible options on the market, including the recent release of high-powered machines with direct access to Amazon’s data centers.