5. Monitor, assess, tweak, improve

As with any ongoing process, it's important to keep tabs on the virtualization project as you begin transitioning users and services to the new platform. Establish some performance and usage guidelines and thresholds, and evaluate what these metrics will mean for future tweaks and enhancements. Consider tweaking hardware configurations, network setups or increasing bandwidth as needed. Your job isn't over once the final boot into the virtualized operating system is finished.

Jonathan Hassell is an author, consultant and speaker on a variety of IT topics. His published works include RADIUS, Hardening Windows, Using Windows Small Business Server 2003 and Learning Windows Server 2003. His work appears regularly in such periodicals as Windows IT Pro magazine, PC Pro and TechNet Magazine. He also speaks worldwide on topics ranging from networking and security to Windows administration. He is currently an editor for Apress Inc., a publishing company specializing in books for programmers and IT professionals.