This assignment aims to demonstrate how virtualization and the “cloud” environment can enhance or inhibit operational flexibility regarding expansion and growth opportunities.

Background: For a business to expand and grow, the IT infrastructure must support changing service demand. Businesses may grow by expanding the existing business, or they may grow through mergers and acquisitions. When companies merge, the newly combined company needs systems to support it.

Virtualization enables multiple simulated computing environments to run on the same hardware within a company. Cloud computing can involve external computing resources. There are various types of virtualization and different options for cloud computing. 

Assignment: This assignment aims to demonstrate how virtualization and the “cloud” environment can enhance or inhibit operational flexibility regarding expansion and growth opportunities.

Research different ways companies use computer virtualization for their internal infrastructure. Describe each virtualization option and how they differ from other alternatives. Cite your sources.

Research various alternatives for cloud computing. Describe each “cloud” option and how they differ. Cite your sources.

Explain how virtualization and cloud computing alternatives might affect a company’s ability to expand and grow naturally. Determine if any of the options enhance or inhibit a company’s ability to merge with other businesses and combine business systems. Clarify any risks or constraints associated with a particular option.

Analyze the options from a cybersecurity perspective. Discuss whether certain virtualization and “cloud” environment alternatives are better than others from a cybersecurity point of view. Cite your sources.

Based on the company you chose in Week 1, determine whether some virtualization and cloud computing options would be a better fit than others to enable your business to grow. Describe how the alternatives might enable expansion of the current operation or potentially impact mergers and acquisitions.