What is Virtualization?
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What is Virtualization?
Virtualization is a methodology of dividing computing resources into multiple execution environments. Simply put, virtualization is a way of encapsulating an entire operating environment, hardware and software, into a set of files, a “virtual machine”.
How does it work?
Virtualization converts the physical hardware layer that a computer operating system “sees” into software virtual components. All of the computer hardware components such as CPU, memory, disk drives, video and network cards are “virtualized” into a set of software files known as a virtual machine. Then the virtualization software, what’s known as a “hypervisor” allows a physical computer host such as a server or desktop computer to run one or more virtual machines on the same hardware.
What are the benefits?
Virtualization offers a number of compelling benefits. The main benefits are concentrated in four key areas.
1. Server consolidation and containment:
Today, even though computing power continues to increase steadily, many applications and server functions need to be run on their own server. In many cases servers are running at a low utilization but more and more servers are needed resulting in “server sprawl”, requiring increased space, HVAC and power. Virtualization technology can convert existing servers into virtual machines allowing multiple servers to be running concurrently on one physical host server. New servers can be installed onto virtual machines. The benefits include reduced hardware costs, reduced space, cooling and power requirements. For example, a business running 12 physical servers may be able to safely reduce the number to just 3 or 4.
2. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery:
Virtualization can help to greatly reduce both planned and unplanned downtime. Virtual machines can be moved from one physical server which is experiencing problems or needs to be shut down for maintenance to another fully operational server host. These functions can be automated and can occur without interruption to the applications running on the virtual machine which results in high availability. Because the virtual machines are hardware independent, they can be moved from one host to another, perhaps from an HP server to a Dell unit. This hardware independence can greatly increase flexibility and reduce costs for business continuity and disaster recovery. The time to recover from a disaster or unplanned outage can be reduced from days to hours, possibly even minutes. Because the virtual machine is actually a set of files, these machines can be easily backed up, or even replicated to another location.
3. Desktop management and security:
Over 70% of the total cost of ownership of a desktop is spent on operational activities associated with managing the PC’s and users. Every different hardware configuration requires a different image or installation. In addition, remote users also heighten security risks and the potential for data loss. Using virtualization, it is possible to create secure virtual machines that can be run from a user’s desktop, laptop, home computer or even from a flash drive. The machines are self contained, can require authentication and be encrypted. Additional layers of security can be added to restrict the machines access to specific business uses or connections and lifecycle policies can be added. An example being virtual machines for temporary contractor’s use may be set to expire at the end of their contract.
4. Testing and Development:
Virtualization can dramatically improve many aspects of the software development lifecycle. Snapshots of machines or entire environments can be saved and restarted. Environments can be easily controlled and bugs or conditions duplicated. The testing environments can be easily and quickly recreated and can support distributed developers and testers. Virtualization also allows for some of the control over the testing environments be handed over to development teams increasing efficiency and decreasing the IT support costs.