In this Article Don't skimp on the hardware Don't virtualize everything Watch the licensing Dollars and cents Get a grip on storage Be ready for management headaches Related Links Server virtualization: low-hanging fruit and sour grapes X86 chip makers ease server virtualization VMWare offers virtualization for free

Although most server virtualization software can run on just about anything and still work, users need to invest in good hardware if they're serious about virtualization, early users say. This is especially important if they're planning to deploy high-transaction database applications or other I/O-intensive applications, they add.

By now, almost everybody agrees the buzz about server virtualization is justified. It's impossible to argue with the evidence presented by early adopters: This New Data Center technology has indeed let them decrease the number of physical servers they run and increase the number of applications they support - all while boosting performance and availability, and even easing the overall administrative workload.

These results have not come without trial and error, however. Roughing it out through server virtualization's early years, the pioneers learned a few things that make the technology even easier to deploy and manage. Without a doubt, they say, these five tips will help today's users get the most out of their virtualized server environment.