Do you know how businesses can run multiple systems without buying that many machines? Well, that is because of a smart way of Virtualisation that has been a super-useful technology in many basic to modern systems. It is a big part of what makes cloud computing services so effective.
This blog ‘What is Virtualisation’ will cover all essential aspects to introduce you to the concept. Let us get started with its basics.
What is Virtualization?
Virtualization creates digital versions of physical machines like web servers, storage devices, or networks. This way, it helps a physical machine work as multiple machines
In other words, one machine runs as many different independent environments at the same time in the form of several virtual machines (VMs). They make the most of their existing hardware so you need not invest in more machines.
History of Virtualization
Virtualization history goes way back to the 1960s. With the development of hypervisors, multiple computers could run on a single system and manage processes like batch processing. Later, virtualization technology further developed over the years.
- Large businesses started using virtualization in the 1990s to build centralized IT setups. This way, they could run legacy applications without the limitations of using a single operating system. Also, they could adopt more cost-effective server technology.
- Virtualization started becoming popular in the early 2000s but until then it did not get much attention. Big companies like IBM, Microsoft, Red Hat, and VMware started releasing products for further virtualization options in this period.
- VMware introduced Storage vMotion in 2007, and around the same time, Microsoft released Hyper-V for virtual machines in 2008. That was followed up with Windows Azure in 2010 with more advanced virtualization features.
Why is Virtualization Important?
Virtualization offers great flexibility, ease & efficiency in handling hardware resources. You are no longer restricted by physical hardware constraints like space, electricity, and maintenance because it turns these physical systems into software-based environments. This approach gives you more control over your infrastructure.
Uses of Virtualization
- A company can run various operating systems like Windows, Linux, and iOS on a single physical server. They can meet different application needs this way. Also, each VM can have its own operating system. So, it becomes more flexible and cost-effective.
- Use virtual machines from a cloud provider as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) with resources and configurations adjusted according to your needs. So, you need not manage physical hardware and reduce the maintenance burden.
- Virtualization helps consolidate multiple functions onto a single machine so you do not need to invest in separate physical servers for different needs.
- Virtual environments can be tailored to each software’s requirements.
- Virtualization makes it easier to scale up by simply adding more VMs.
How Does Virtualization Work?
You need to install virtualization software on your machine and create multiple virtual machines (VMs). Every VM works as an independent server and has an operating system.
Moreover, the main computer is called the host and the VMs that you created are the guests. Well, a host can have several guests running on it and have individual configurations.
Thus, a guest can have an OS different from the host system. Also, you can install applications on it and make changes without affecting the host system. The guest has its own resources too (CPU, RAM, and storage).
However, you need a software layer that makes all of this possible. So, the Hypervisor manages the resources and ensures that each VM gets the necessary processing power, memory, and storage. It is the mediator between the virtual machines and the physical hardware.
Type 1 Hypervisor runs directly on the hardware. It does not need an operating system so it is very efficient and fast. Whereas, Type 2 Hypervisor runs as an application on an existing operating system. Mainly it is used when you need to run different OSs on one machine.
Benefits of Virtualization
Here are some of the key advantages of Virtualization –
- It helps make full use of computing resources as multiple operating systems can run on the same hardware.
- You can save costs on physical resources like extra storage and reduce the need for additional power and cooling due to better hardware utilization.
- As Virtual machines are separate from the host system, you can test new applications in an isolated environment without affecting the main system. Also, you can create test setups without needing additional physical hardware.
- VMs can also speed up application deployment and migrations as they can be quickly created, moved, or cloned.
- It reduces downtime and speeds up disaster recovery due to fast failovers.
Limitations of Virtualization
Below are some of the limitations to keep in mind:
- Virtualization set-up requires significant investment in software and hardware. You may need to upgrade older infrastructure.
- You may face software licensing issues as some vendors have different licensing rules for virtual environments.
- Teams need to learn new skills. Also, transitioning to virtualization takes time.
- Virtual environments can increase the risk of breaches. It can expose data to more security threats.
- Sometimes, if one part fails, it may affect the entire operation. So, virtual systems can be complex.
What Are the Different Types of Virtualization?
Virtualization technology helps you manage and use multiple types of infrastructure. Read below the types and examples of virtualization that can be applied across different domains.
Server Virtualization
Server virtualization means a physical server is divided into multiple separate virtual servers. Thus, it optimizes server resources and reduces wastage. Physical servers often operate below their full potential without it. Thus, you can deploy IT services more efficiently in an organization using this type.
Storage Virtualization
IT administrators can manage storage more effectively using this type. It combines physical storage devices (such as NAS and SAN) into a single virtual storage unit. So, it is used to perform tasks smoothly like archiving, backup, and recovery.
Network Virtualization
In this type, all network resources like switches, routers, and firewalls are merged into a centralized system. So, administrators can control network elements virtually and simplify network management. Network virtualization includes 2 main approaches Software-defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV).
Data Virtualization
Data virtualization means to create a layer between the data and applications. This one is used to enable seamless access to data stored in various formats and locations. Therefore, it supports efficient data integration and advanced data analysis.
Application Virtualization
Applications can run on different operating systems than they were originally designed for using this type. For this, 1. applications are streamed from a remote server when needed. 2. Users access applications through browsers without its installation (server-based application virtualization). 3. The application runs in its own environment on any operating system through Local application virtualization.
Desktop Virtualization
This type is used to manage different desktop operating systems across teams in an organization. Therefore, employees can access virtual desktops remotely. This cuts down hardware costs and improves security.
Virtualization vs Containerization
| Aspect | Virtualization | Containerization |
| Technology for Resource Management | Uses a hypervisor to manage and run virtual machines (VMs) | Uses a single host kernel |
| Operating System and Resource Usage | It can run different operating systems. | It shares the same OS so uses fewer resources compared to virtual machines. |
| Application Deployment | It can run apps with varying OS requirements on the same server. | It creates each part of an application as a container. So, it becomes easier to manage and scale. |
Virtualization vs Cloud Computing
Virtualization is often used in cloud computing but the two are not the same. Below is the comparison of what is virtualisation and cloud computing –
| Aspect | Virtualization | Cloud Computing |
| Scope | Runs multiple operating systems and applications on one physical machine. | Uses virtualization but offers a complete infrastructure with data security. |
| Control | You need to manage your own hardware infrastructure. | Providers handle the physical hardware. |
| Accessibility | Set up is on-premises the needs cloud integration for remote access. | Cloud services provide easy remote access. |
| Scalability | It needs additional hardware resources for scaling. | Cloud computing can scale without heavy investments in hardware resources. |
Why Choose Cantech for Virtualization?
Cantech provides state-of-the-art virtualization solutions with our VPS server hosting plans. We have affordable VPS hosting plans tailored to your business needs for all your operating system requirements. Also, we provide 24/7 reliable support and efficient infrastructure management with a 99.97% uptime guarantee for smooth operations.
Conclusion
Virtualization is a smart technology useful for businesses of all sizes. You can simplify management and cut down on costs using a virtual environment. Explore its potential with Cantech’s VPS hosting. Choose the plan that best suits your website or application needs with our virtual server packages. Need help? Contact our experts and discuss more!
FAQs
What is KVM?
KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is a type 1 hypervisor. It is built-in with modern Linux systems. You can easily run multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single host using KVM.
What is Virtual Machine Migration?
The process of moving a VM without shutting it down in case of load balancing, hardware upgrades, or disaster recovery from one physical server to another is Virtual Machine Migration.
Containers vs VMs: What’s the Difference?
Containers – They are lightweight and share the host system’s operating system.
VMs – These are fully isolated and run their own OS.
Therefore, containers are fast and efficient. Whereas, VMs use more resources but are more secure.
