The method of Virtualization enables the functioning of several independent operating systems from a single computer. In this way the physical resource output of hardware is maximized for optimum gains.
Technological advancements have made inroads into the manufacture of software that utilizes physical resources like a server and splits it into virtual resources that are called Virtual Machines.
The use of Virtual Machines enables a large number of facilities in computing.
* It helps in the consolidation of physical resources
* Power requirements are minimized
* Cooling environment requirements are minimized
* Implementation and administration is simplified
Areas of Computer Virtualization
There are several ways that the concept of computer virtualization is useful and thus implemented. It is extremely useful in the arena of servers and their functioning but is also instrumental in benefits for the following areas.
* Consolidation of Server Functions – Virtualizationis a means of achieving high server density. In this way a server administrator uses the software application to divide one physical server in multiple separate virtual environments. These virtual environments are known by several names like that of guests, containers and emulations. The guest system can be fully virtualized, partially virtualized or even a mix of two.
* Database Virtualization – In this method the data base layer that is present between the storage and application parts of the application stack is split up. This allows a better sharing of information or data as a result of the extension of hardware resources.
* Operating Systems – Virtualization of the Operating Systems means the kernel of the OS allowing several user space guests in place of only one. It also enables virtual hosting environments. It also enhances security, hardware independence among certain other features.
* Hardware Virtualization – In this there is a virtualization of computers where users are hidden from the physical features of a computing platform. An abstract computing platform is shown in its place. Hardware assisted virtualization enables architectural support that helps to build a virtual machine monitor and guest operating systems to function independently.
* Datacenter Virtualization – the process of virtualization can be implemented in four ways in the functions of a datacenter. These are networking, storage, computing and security. Storage virtualization is very helpful as it enables several distinct storage racks within a single virtual storage pool. In case of computing virtualization cross platform server virtualization has been developed that allows clustering and partitioning of servers. This enables a single server can function as multiple virtual servers. In the area of network virtualization work is done in the LAN or the WAN. Both can be segregated to virtual functioning. As far as security is concerned virtualization is comparatively less developed. There are virtual security options but the services need to expand further.
