However, even though this is the general consensus, some organizations have still found that they need to add additional skills if they're going to get the greatest benefit out of SAP virtualization. While installing an SAP system on a virtual server isn't any different from installing it on a physical server, not all of the benefits of virtualization are likely to be realized if you do it this way. In locations that are running QA and SAP development systems entirely virtualized, such as the University of Warwick, projects have benefited from some of the more unusual skills that aren't likely to be in the repertoire of the average Basis worker.
Basis administrators are generally expected to have a relatively good understanding of the kind of technical aspects they're likely to encounter inside the SAP system. This includes just about everything that's accessible from inside SAPgui. With virtualization of SAP, making template servers to enable quick deployment, or using virtualization for disaster recovery scenarios or high availability can require a better understanding of how the Basis layer's lower levels function.
Using virtual servers in combination with virtual storage can have a significant influence on how difficult or easy it is to accomplish these things, but in order to use this kind of storage, one needs a very good understanding of the SAP system and database, and how they use their storage. Otherwise, it can be extremely difficult to decide what can be shared between servers and what shouldn't be, as well as the best way to divide a system's available storage space up into virtualized units.
Because of this, it can be an extremely good idea to include someone with virtualization experience in your project. While it's possible to virtualize mission-critical SAP applications that once ran on an enormous number of servers (nearly fifty, in the case of CCI, a consulting firm based out of Milwaukee), there are things to understand before this can be accomplished effectively. SAP Basis administrators have to know that it's important to increase the power of your virtualized server, to add more memory, and to know exactly what using a virtualized environment can do. That keeps this kind of environment from being handed out inappropriately.
Another area where things may be different is security. You can't use the same virus scanning addresses for virtualization security, and there are lots of other small things to pay attention to as well. Being cognizant of these things is an important step. The good news is that only a little help is needed for your existing SAP Basis administrators to catch onto what they need to know. Just an hour or two with an effective consultant or teacher could help the person in charge of your boxes run them properly. Beyond that, little more than generalized computer knowledge is required.