Virtualization is a set of technologies for the software separation of physical computing system resources and applications into virtual machines (VMs) isolated from each other. Each VM runs on a dedicated part of the resources as a complete independent hardware platform.
Virtualization is rapidly transforming the IT landscape. There are many reasons why businesses utilize this technology. The most important one is reducing IT costs while getting the most out of the hardware. Besides, virtual infrastructure provides greater flexibility and scalability, enables easier workload management, increases productivity and resource availability. In this article, we will take a closer look at virtualization technology and cover the types and products.
How does virtualization technology work?
The architecture of a virtual server is more complex than that of a traditional physical server. The most important part of the system is the hypervisor. It creates a level of abstraction between the software and the actual hardware. With the installed hypervisor, the software relies on virtual presentations of the computing resources, for example, virtual CPUs instead of physical CPUs.
The pooled virtualized computing resources are called virtual machines. You can install OS and required applications on the VMs. Virtualized systems include multiple virtual machines running simultaneously, each logically isolated from the others. If one of the VMs is overloaded, or hacked, the other machines within the system are not affected.
Since the hypervisor is installed directly on the server and operating systems, this approach is often referred to as bare-metal virtualization. Another option is to install the host operating system first, and then deploy the hypervisor and all the VMs inside it. This method is often called virtualization with a host system and is most commonly used for container virtualization.
Types of virtualization
Server Virtualization. This technology allows running several virtual machines on a single physical machine, each simulating the operation of a separate server. The software simulation affects the main components of the server: processor, storage, RAM, and others. Server virtualization is essential in a production environment, as it reduces the need for hardware resources and delegates their functions to virtual machines. With this approach, the company saves on hardware purchases and upgrades, reduces power consumption.
VMware vSphere – the industry's leading virtualization platform for creating cloud infrastructures. It provides stability for business-critical applications and the ability to respond faster to changing business requirements.
Storage virtualization is a way to represent storage resources as logical storage spaces (volumes) without tying them to physical storage devices. The technology provides a convenient and transparent way to manage storage when real storage devices connected via different protocols are perceived as a single pool. Storage virtualization increases performance, resiliency, availability, and security. It optimizes disk space utilization, simplifies both migration and mirroring, saves on IT expansion, and allows you to organize tiered storage.
VMware Virtual SAN is an enterprise-class storage solution for hyper-converged infrastructure, optimized to work with today's flash-based systems. VMware Virtual SAN (vSAN) provides space for virtual disks that contain the necessary data for running virtual machines.
Application virtualization. With this approach, applications are not installed in the operating system, but can simply run on the selected machine. The components of the operating system that the application needs are emulated. Each application gets its isolated environment running independently of the other software.
Workstation virtualization. This technology known as VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) is widely used in a working environment and bring many benefits to business. The virtual desktop is stored on the cloud provider's servers, not on the user's computer. All users’ data and applications are hosted on the remote servers, thus offering the user many possibilities, such as access from different devices and different locations.
VMware Horizon is a state-of-the-art platform for securely delivering virtual desktops and applications in the hybrid cloud. The solution helps IT departments efficiently deploy and scale virtual desktops and applications. With rapid provisioning, automation, and simplified management, it delivers the most comfortable digital workspace experience to end-users.
Network virtualization. In this case, the virtualization software fully emulates the operation of the physical data network components. In a virtual network, you can perform the same actions as in a physical network. This increases efficiency and allows you to work independently of the hardware. For example, workloads can be connected to any emulated network devices like switches, logical ports, routers, VPN networks.
VMware NSX is a network virtualization and security platform for software-defined data centers, making it possible to create and run entire networks in parallel on existing network hardware.
VMWare software is one of the most popular and widely used virtualization tools nowadays, and the hypervisor by this vendor is the leading among similar solutions from other vendors.
Cloud4Y supports a wide range of VMware products and services. You can migrate all workloads from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud or create a hybrid cloud environment that can be managed from a single location.
