A Phenomenological Study of Security Factors that Inhibit Adoption of Server Virtualization Technology in Data Centers

This dissertation is aimed at continuing the discussion on server virtualization technology and security. The central research question addressed was the security factors that inhibit IT managers to successfully implement server virtualization technology in data centers. The available literature reviewed established that, decision-making process to implement new technology is and the decision to implement server virtualization technology is more complex due to the added layer of security added on top of the existing environment. This research interviewed 7 IT managers who have experiences in server virtualization technology, computer security, and managerial decision-making. The analysis of data gathered through a phenomenological study, the research yielded these key themes: management decision making, characteristics of server virtualization technology, guidelines, and future of server virtualization technology. Further analysis of the themes yielded the following findings: cost, best practices, and guidelines, security policies, security factors, and future trends in server virtualization technology. The result of this research will serve as a blueprint to help information technology practitioners, as well as IT managers in the decision to implement server virtualization technology in their data centers.