Gone are the days when cutting edge technology belonged solely to big corporations and institutions. Today consumers and small businesses alike have access to a wealth of computing applications, equipment, and devices brimming with power and sophistication. We’re talking about advanced mobile technologies, data-center consolidation, server virtualization, SaaS, PaaS, outsourced data security and backup, and cloud computing. This technology, coupled with the natural flexibility and affinity for innovation inherent to many small businesses, may actually give them a competitive advantage over larger companies.

As further testimony to this trend, a recent post at Informationweek pointed to the fact that many tech firms are actually optimistic about the continued growth of these technologies even as sales in other industries are stagnating and declining in response to a weakened economy. A significant part of this market consists of small businesses eager to trim operating expenses and improve the efficiency and efficacy of their operations.

As technology continues to advance, and more people get comfortable with the idea of using it for their businesses, we can expect the emergence of population of tech savvy small businesses that will keep the big guys on their toes.

Another major benefit to server virtualization is the impact it will have on your efficiency. Management tasks can be automated and controlled from a single point. Maintenance also becomes easier as virtual machines have the ability to be shut down, transferred across the network to a new physical server and accessed instantly.

Server virtualization also brings about significant savings. Not only do you save on physical floor space and having to buy a lot of hardware, but you also save money on maintenance, energy, and installation.