Security issues in virtualized environments for small and medium enterprises

Abstract

Virtualization is an emerging technology in the recent computing worlds and has become a platform for the implementation of utility computing (e.g. cloud computing) and the rising Virtual Private Networks. It helps to centralize and integrate IT resources there by reducing costs and energy usage. Organizations are implementing this technology, however, what factors determine the choice of virtual environments to be implemented? Moreover, to what extend therefore can an organization virtualize? This research proposes a paper that will investigate the above stated factors so that they can be able to breakeven and survive the ever changing economic times. The research shall achieve this by identifying and investigating factors that determine the choice of virtualized environments in these organizations. This will be accomplished by a qualitative design through a desktop research. This research is important for small and medium organizations who would need to evaluate the factors that they would consider before they choose to go virtualization. Some of the benefits that come with this technology include to reduce operating costs based on virtualization platforms, promote efficiency on clouds and enable organizations to shift the emphasis on the management, rather than ownership of ICT resources.