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Advantages To Database Virtualization
Using database virtualization can enhance database performance and provide real-time backup of important business data. But this functionality isn't just for large enterprises; small and midsize companies using SQL Server can virtualize databases, too.
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Database virtualization isn't just a large company need, according to David Patrick, president and CEO of Xkoto, a database virtualization vendor. "We target businesses that need databases running 24/7 and we thought large companies were our sweet spot but smaller companies have those needs and they don't have large budgets," says Patrick.
To meet the needs of small and midsize businesses, Xkoto launched a Microsoft SQL Server product. The Xkoto Gridscale technology sits between the application and the database that ensures continuous availability and scalability -- addressing the same problems as database clustering in a different manner.
Don't Miss: More Midsize Companies Adopting Virtualization
According to Patrick, the affordability of Xkoto's system lies in allowing businesses to use their existing hardware or leverage commodity systems. With SQL Server, the opportunities grow because it has a much wider penetration in the small and midsize market.
"Typically, you don't see SQL Server as a platform," says Patrick. "This gives small and midsize businesses the opportunity to run a commerce site. Usually they would need expensive clustering, a dedicated SAN, and a fail-safe system. With us, we can provide a layer between the application and the solution so you don't need the expensive hardware."
It also obviates the need to rewrite applications. "If the user finds the application is not meeting performance requirements, it can be scaled up with commodity products," says Patrick. "As a business grows, they can just deploy additional boxes on the grid. They don't need to migrate or add new, expensive hardware."
Patrick adds that there also is a lot of flexibility in Xkoto's database: "Businesses can scale up at certain times. We're on both physical servers and virtual servers so users can load balance."
Startup City TV
Don't miss xKoto president and CEO David Patrick's discussion with InformationWeek's John Foley. This interview is part of InformationWeek's ongoing Startup City interview series. Xkoto was also named one of the Top 10 Startups by InformationWeek readers. Click Play Video to start watching.
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Naomi Grossman is assistant editor of bMighty.com.
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