Whether you are deploying virtualization for the first time or looking to increase the value of your existing solution, choosing the right hardware is as important as choosing the right virtualization software. The servers you deploy today will impact your consolidation ratios, your total cost of ownership, the performance and availability of your business applications, and the flexibility and efficiency of your data center. The wrong choices will not only diminish your returns, but may also limit your future options as you seek to expand your virtualized environment. By adhering to four basic principles, you can maximize the value of virtualization in your data center, both now and in the future.