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[fusion_dropcap boxed=”yes” boxed_radius=”50%” class=”” id=”” color=”#091124″]V[/fusion_dropcap]irtualization is a buzzword in IT communities these days, but the reality is that while our IT nerds may understand the concept, most businesses fail to see or hear about what exactly IT virtualization is, and how it can benefit their businesses.
The reality is, it’s a broad term and can encompass a variety of applications, all with their own nuances. So, let’s break this down and explain why virtualization is a huge time and money saver for businesses.
What is Virtualization?
Technically, virtualization is the “creation of a virtual (rather than actual) version of something, such as an operating system, a server, a storage device or network resource” as defined by SearchServerVirtualization.
In other words, it is a method of separating an application and the resources required to run it—memory, operating system, network access, processor, and so on—from the actual underlying hardware (or, in other words, your actual computer).
In essence, virtualization means that you can have multiple resources be accessed from a single server. This means that you can make better and more efficient use of your existing servers, resulting in less required servers, less energy consumption, and less maintenance.
This means less money spent.
The Categories of Virtualization
Virtualization is term that comprises many different types of computing. To help you understand the various uses of virtualization infrastructure, we’ve broken this down into a few of the different categories of virtualization.
Network Virtualization
This is a method of combining the available resources in a network by splitting the bandwidth into multiple independent channels. Each of these channels will be assigned to a particular server or device.
For instance, every channel on your TV is coming through one system into your home. All this information is split into various channels that can be accessed at any time, and are assigned to particular shows or networks.
Storage Virtualization
This is the pooling of physical storage from multiple network storage devices into what will appear to be a single large storage device that is managed from a central console. This means that the consolidated data of your company is in a central pool, from which multiple users can access and utilize the information. This generally allows for reduction of duplicate data and sometimes reduces the amount of servers needed (saving you money).
This tool is a like pool of information. Numerous resources pour into it from throughout the company, filling it up with information, that anyone from the company can then go in and access, without hopping from server to server or various storage resources.
Software Virtualization
Ever used Windows in a virtualization program on your MacBookPro? Ever uploaded Ubunto virtualization program onto your Windows computer? If so, that is a virtualization of your software. Because some programs and software will only run on specific computers, virtualization can essentially trick that software into functioning on your computer by inputting an overlay of that program into your real computer. This is called a virtual computer. (This is generally for individual computers, not a whole network.)
Imagine a tennis court that is converted into a basketball court with an overlay of lines and the installation of nets on either side of the court. While the court is still technically a tennis court, it is functioning as a basketball court for all the basketball players.
Server Virtualization
This is the masking of server resources from individual server users. While this sounds counterproductive, it actually allows the users to navigate through a single server, eliminating the need for the user to understand and manage all the various complexities of the numerous server resources. It also increases resource sharing and utilization from server to server.
How does virtualization benefit you?
Virtualization benefits basically boil down to five important things:
- Faster provisioning and dynamic load balancing — this means your systems and software will run faster and be more easy to navigate through.
- Consolidated servers with optimized loads — reduce your need for servers and increase utilization
- Reduced energy costs — fewers servers reduces electricity use, cooling bills, and IT maintenance
- Simplified disaster recovery — recovery from a disaster is swift and painless thanks to virtualizations single-system image
What it boils down to is this — Do you, as a business, want to do more with less? Then, contact us about our virtualization services.
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