Bartercard CEO Jason Van said his company has used virtualization for administration and testing for about 18 months.

"It's just an emerging technology and it requires a bit of hype so people get to understand it and explore its use; there are definitely some good niches for it in the marketplace," Van said.

"I'd like to see what comes out of the development of [Microsoft] Office online and Google products online, [because] everyone is swinging towards online models which will have an affect on whether virtualization at the desktop will pick up."

Graham Williams, IT manager for education resource developer Curriculum Corporation, said his company is set to undergo a large, server-based virtualization project, but warned organizations need to undertake careful evaluations first and to develop realistic expectations.

"I think [virtualization's suitability] is horses for courses, but it offers the potential for better service and large savings," Williams said.