Virtualization

Virtualization uses software to create an abstraction layer over computer hardware, enabling the division of a single computer’s hardware components—such as processors, memory and storage—into multiple virtual machines (VMs). Each VM runs its own operating system (OS) and behaves like an independent computer, even though it is running on just a portion of the actual underlying computer hardware.

It follows that virtualization enables more efficient use of physical computer hardware and allows a greater return on an organization’s hardware investment.

Today, virtualization is a standard practice in enterprise IT architecture. It is also the technology that drives cloud computing economics. Virtualization enables cloud providers to serve users with their existing physical computer hardware. It enables cloud users to purchase only the computing resources they need when they need it, and to scale those resources cost-effectively as their workloads grow.

Virtualization is foundational for cloud computing, as it enables efficient resource utilization, scalability, and isolation.

Virtualization began in the 1960s with IBM CP/CMS. The control program CP provided each user with a simulated stand-alone System/360 computer.

In hardware virtualization, the host machine is the machine that is used by the virtualization and the guest machine is the virtual machine. The words host and guest are used to distinguish the software that runs on the physical machine from the software that runs on the virtual machine. The software or firmware that creates a virtual machine on the host hardware is called a hypervisor or virtual machine monitor. Hardware virtualization is not the same as hardware emulation. Hardware-assisted virtualization facilitates building a virtual machine monitor and allows guest OSes to be run in isolation.

Desktop virtualization is the concept of separating the logical desktop from the physical machine.

Operating-system-level virtualization, also known as containerization, refers to an operating system feature in which the kernel allows the existence of multiple isolated user-space instances.

The usual goal of virtualization is to centralize administrative tasks while improving scalability and overall hardware-resource utilization.

Types of Virtualization

1. Server Virtualization: Divides a physical server into multiple virtual servers, each operating independently. This is commonly used in data centers to maximize server use.
2. Desktop Virtualization: Provides virtual desktops to users, allowing them to access their personal desktop environments from anywhere.
3. Storage Virtualization: Pools multiple physical storage devices into a single, virtualized storage resource accessible across networks.
4. Network Virtualization: Combines multiple network resources into a single virtual network, or divides a network into virtual segments, optimizing network resource allocation.
5. Application Virtualization: Separates applications from the underlying hardware or OS, allowing them to run on different devices without installation.

Benefits of Virtualization

1. Cost Savings
   • Virtualization reduces the need for physical hardware by allowing multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server. This cuts costs related to hardware purchases, maintenance, and energy consumption.
2. Efficient Resource Utilization
   • By consolidating workloads on fewer physical servers, virtualization ensures that hardware resources are used efficiently. This reduces underutilization, as each virtual machine can use only the resources it requires, maximizing system efficiency.
3. Scalability and Flexibility
   • Virtualization makes it easy to scale resources up or down based on demand. New virtual machines can be created in minutes, allowing businesses to respond to growth or seasonal traffic spikes quickly.
4. Improved Disaster Recovery and Backup
   • Virtualization simplifies backup and disaster recovery. VMs can be backed up as files, making it easy to restore them if hardware fails. This quick recovery minimizes downtime and enhances business continuity.
5. Isolation and Security
   • Each virtual machine operates independently, isolating it from others. This means that if one VM encounters issues or is compromised, others on the same physical server are unaffected, increasing overall security and stability.
6. Simplified Management and Automation
   • Virtualized environments are often managed through centralized management tools, which streamline the administration of virtual machines, storage, and networks. Automation tools can also simplify tasks like deployment, monitoring, and resource allocation.
7. Energy Efficiency and Reduced Carbon Footprint
   • Consolidating servers through virtualization reduces the number of physical servers needed, cutting down on power and cooling requirements. This reduction in energy consumption lowers operating costs and minimizes environmental impact.
8. Support for Legacy Systems
   • Virtualization allows older applications to run on newer hardware, reducing the need to maintain outdated physical hardware. This is useful for businesses with legacy software that requires specific configurations.
9. Testing and Development Environments
   • Developers can easily create and delete virtual environments, making it simple to test new applications or configurations without impacting production systems. This flexibility reduces risk and accelerates development cycles.

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[1] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtualization