Virtualization has been around since the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the 2000’s that it started to really make an impact that shocked everyone including the experts. It is now something that is utilized by small startup businesses to full enterprises.
The basic definition of virtualization is the creation of a virtual version rather than an actual version of something, such as your operating system, storage, network resources, etc. So instead of having to deploy multiple servers to run all of the operating systems and applications of an organization, they can run from just one. Now, each self-contained “virtual machine” is isolated from the others and uses as much of the network’s computing resources as it requires. This results in fewer servers needed and less maintenance required, which in the end reduces cost.
There are 3 levels in which most organizations focus on in regards to virtualization:
- Centralized Applications: Virtualized applications are not directly installed, but are able to be accessed and utilized as if they were.
- Virtualized Desktops: This is used to separate the computer desktop environment from the physical computer. The virtualized desktop is stored on a centralized, or remote server, not the physical machine.
- Virtualized Servers: This is the concealment of server resources and server users. Included in this concealment would be how many and the identity of individual physical servers, processors and operating systems.
Now, it probably seems like we are just talking about cloud computing. These two words are usually substituted with one another, but they have a few critical differences. Virtualization is part of a physical infrastructure, while cloud computing is a service. There is also a tremendous difference when it comes to cost between the two. Also virtualization is a way to deploy a private cloud, this is not the same the other way around.
So like we said earlier, virtualization is dramatically helping businesses of all sizes and is providing them with incredible benefits. These benefits include reduction in hardware, decrease in capital and operational expenses, improving scalability and centralizing administrative tasks.
Curious about virtualization? Check out SEN Technologies, a manufacturer of hosted virtual desktops and cloud computing.
Resources:
VMWare: http://www.vmware.com/virtualization/virtualization-basics/what-is-virtualization
TechTarget: http://searchservervirtualization.techtarget.com/definition/virtualization
ED Tech: http://www.edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2012/10/what-virtualization