Many SMBs are flirting with virtualization these days. It isn’t just for large enterprises any more. That’s because it can help you maximize storage or give you a way to keep that server running while you’re repairing your physical hardware. In any case, a lot of people are looking into the ways virtualized storage can be a lifesaver. Fortunately, as a ShadowProtect user, you won’t have to change your backup solution if you decide to make the switch to the virtual world. That’s because ShadowProtect not only backs up physical systems, it backs up virtual systems as well.

In addition, ShadowProtect has the added advantage of allowing you to migrate from physical environments to virtual ones, and from virtual to physical — or any combination of the two (P2P, P2V, V2V or V2P). The cool Hardware Independent Restore™ technology in ShadowProtect allows you to change your environment no matter what kind of hardware you’re switching to. So upgrade that server without fear.

Plus, you’ll want to check out the new virtualization tools in ShadowProtect 4.0. The newest version of ShadowProtect has two really cool new features. The first is VirtualBoot™, which lets you right-click on a ShadowProtect backup image file and boot it as a virtual machine, usually in about two minutes (no matter how large the server). Another feature is the new Virtual Converter in the Backup Image tool, which lets you convert a ShadowProtect backup image into a VM — either .VHD or .VMDK.

If you’re exploring how to make the most of virtual technology to maximize your storage, be sure to see how ShadowProtect will help you get all your data into the virtual world — and to continue to protect it once you’re there.