A Solution to the Dilemma of Server Proliferation

There seems no end to the demand for ever-more servers as the Dynamics GP platform continues to expand under Microsoft.

The underpinnings of Dynamics GP are SQL Server for database chores, Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server (MOSS) for workflow, and Exchange 2007 for tying tasks, calendar and email to your financial data, each of which needs its own server. If you have a larger organization you may also need Citrix Servers or Terminal Servers to manage far flung locations and process servers for improved performance.

Whew! What's a CIO, or CFO, to do?

Here's a suggestion: Before you pull out your checkbook to buy additional servers, consider virtualization.

Both Microsoft and VMWare have virtual server options that let you consolidate multiple servers into a single physical box. If your organization is not currently looking at server virtualization, you're already behind.

At the small firm where I'm a Senior Consultant, we have consolidated 40 servers down to three physical machines. Yes, they are expensive physical machines, but they are not 10 times as expensive as the machines they replaced.

Virtual machines allow you to better maximize all the hardware that is sitting underutilized in your data centers. No, you won't get out of buying Microsoft licenses to support your Dynamics GP infrastructure, but you'll spend less with Dell, HP or IBM as you consolidate servers.

Plus, there is an unanticipated bonus in server virtualization:

In addition to reducing the overall costs of acquiring servers, you will reduce your company's energy usage. With virtual servers, you will use fewer servers, and whether you buy new or consolidate existing machines, you will end up with newer servers that are more energy efficient. You will also benefit from removing older, potentially ...