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Virtualization In Cloud Computing

“Virtualization and Cloud Computing are often discussed interchangeably, but while they’re closely associated, these tech terms have crucial differences.”

Virtualization and Cloud computing are similar technologies, but their differences are significant enough to affect your business decisions. This article will help demystify the tech behind the jargon and help businesses determine which technology is right for them.

What Is Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing comprises software, hardware and high-level network resources that individuals and companies can access via the internet. A cloud computing service provider will make available several types of services that support a business’s needs. 

For example, a cloud service provider may use a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model to deliver software applications to client businesses. While the software isn’t installed on users’ desktops, they can access these applications in a web browser. 

Some corporate business clients may need more advanced services delivered over cloud computing. These Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) offerings may include databases and virtual servers. Even more high-level cloud services are called Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS); these solutions support the components that make platforms and services function, such as physical servers, device storage and other networking components.

What Is Virtualization

Virtualization is defined as building a virtual environment of the physical aspects of a system’s infrastructure. A Virtual Machine (VM) is run over an existing operating system and hardware resource of another system. The VM and hardware are separated logically, even when they are physically in close proximity and the interaction between them is protected by several layers of security. 

Virtualization has many practical applications, with two main ones.

  • Application testing:  Virtualization allows software developers to test their applications in various environments without setting up several different computers. If the application crashes on the virtual machine, they can close and restart the virtual machine to a previous state without damaging the computer.
  • Server consolidation: One of the most significant benefits of virtualization is server consolidation. Instead of maintaining multiple servers with unique functions, server virtualization allows you to split a single server’s resources for multiple purposes. Often, server resources are underutilized, resulting in businesses spending too much on server upkeep for a little output.

Virtualization In Cloud Computing

The Virtual Machine running on top of the hardware is called the ‘guest machine’, and the hardware and OS of the VM is called the ‘host machine’. 

Cloud computing has given a fresh impetus to virtualization. Cloud Computing is the various data centers available over the internet for the users. This network of remote servers that store, manage and process data has ensured the optimum usage of physical resources while providing a lot of flexibility to the users. 

Most IT businesses have a physical server dedicated to a specific application which leads to underutilization of the server’s capacity resulting in higher IT and operational costs. 

Why Are Businesses Opting For Cloud Virtualization

  • Space optimization- A Physical server takes space and requires frequent maintenance and updates that need to be done one after the other. Virtualization allows installation, updation, and maintenance of VMs virtually saving time and labor.
  • Operating cost reduction-  Consolidation of applications in a virtualized environment means fewer physical customers and reduced costs for the business
  • Datacenter management- With virtualization data centers become available, scalable, and secure.
  • Effectively minimizing downtime- When a problem occurs with the physical server, it may take hours or days to get it fixed however with a virtualized environment it becomes easier to provision and deploy, clone the affected virtual machine and fix it in minutes.
  • Speeding up the provisioning process- With no need to handle actual physical hardware components, virtualization allows companies to use pools of CPU and Memory as hardware components functioning as a server without having to actually go out and buy one.
  • Increasing responsiveness and resource availability
  • It is a greener option with a lesser carbon footprint

Types Of Virtualization In Cloud Computing

There are 6 types of virtualization in cloud computing:

Application Virtualization

This allows a user to access an application virtually. The server stores all the information and the characteristics of the application but can be run remotely using the internet. It also eases and expedites the rollout of an application in an environment and helps in upgrading and supporting them effectively. 

Network Virtualization

This allows the running of multiple virtual networks with each having a separate control and data plan. It provides a facility to create and provision virtual networks—logical switches, routers, firewalls, load balancer, Virtual Private Network (VPN), and workload security in the shortest duration possible. 

Desktop Virtualization

This allows users to access their desktops remotely, users who wish to use operating systems different than the windows server can do so effectively by using desktop virtualization. The obvious benefits include portability, easy software installation, and patches. 

Storage Virtualization

It is an option that provides an isolated, secure, and robust storage solution across multiple networks virtually. All this can be achieved from as little as one storage component. Even when there is a breakdown of underlying systems, it ensures smooth and continuous operation. 

Server Virtualization

When different operating systems need to run on the same physical server, it allows that by using VMs where each system can operate in an isolated manner.

Data Virtualization

As the name implies, it grants data access to interested stakeholders remotely. Large amounts of data can be stored and accessed using it. 

How Is Virtualization Different From Cloud Computing

Virtualization is the fundamental technology that powers Cloud Computing. Virtualization is software that manipulates hardware, while Cloud Computing refers to a service that results from that manipulation. You can’t have Cloud Computing without Virtualization. 

Virtualization is a foundational element of cloud computing and helps deliver on the value of cloud computing. Cloud computing is the delivery of shared computing resources, software or data – as a service and on demand through the internet.

Most of the confusion about these terms occurs because Virtualization and Cloud Computing work together to provide various services. The cloud can – and most often does – include virtualization products to deliver the computer service.

The difference is that a true cloud provides self-service capability, elasticity, automated management, scalability and pay-as-you-go service, which are not inherent in virtualization.

Final Thoughts

While Cloud Computing and Virtualization each have their own benefits, they are not competing approaches. View Cloud Computing as an evolution of Virtualization. Customers who virtualize their hardware servers may adopt Cloud Computing over time for increased self-service, scale, service delivery levels and agility.

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