Virtualization in Cloud Computing

Virtualization means the creation of a virtual copy of a specific item like a “server”, “desktop”, “storage device”, “operating system”, or “network resources”; instead of the actual occurrence.

This technique makes it possible to have one physical instance of a resource or application shared by many customers or organizations, simply by associating the logical name with the physical storage and providing the baton to it when needed.

Concept behind Virtualization:

The idea of virtualization entails setting up a virtual machine over a host OS and hardware and this is known as hardware virtualization. A virtual machine (VM) creates a partitioned space that will be independent of the physical hardware. The actual hardware on which the virtual machine is established is known as the host machine as opposed to the actual virtual machine which is called the guest machine.

Types:

Hardware Virtualization:

It is understood when the VM software or a VMM is directly placed on the hardware system. The hypervisor’s primary role is to manage and oversee the processor, memory and other physical resources. This setup enables other operating systems to be put in and other applications to be executed on those operating systems. Hardware virtualization is mainly applied to the server platforms because managing virtual machines is easier than managing physical servers.

Operating System Virtualization:

This type of virtualization is mostly applied in the testing of applications on different operating systems.

Server Virtualization:

It is where the virtual machine software or a virtual machine manager (VMM) is embedded in the server system. This enables a single physical server to be partitioned into several servers depending on the need and assists in balancing the loads.

Storage Virtualization:

Storage virtualization is a method of combining physical storage from various network storage devices to what is perceived as a single storage device. This type of virtualization is done through application software and is mostly applied in the backup and recovery processes.

How does virtualization play a part in cloud computing?

 

Virtualization in Cloud Computing:

This is very significant in cloud computing because users are allowed to access data and applications located in the cloud. However, virtualization allows users to share infrastructures other than data. The main benefit of the virtualization technology is that cloud providers are unable to provide standard versions of the application. In the case where a new version of an application is released, it will be easier for the cloud provider to update the application without spending so much.

Hence, using virtualization, all servers and software applications needed by cloud providers are hosted and managed by third parties. These services are charged on a monthly or annual basis, which makes it efficient in managing and updating the cloud providers.

Final Thoughts:

Virtualization remains fundamental to cloud computing and contributes to its efficiency and scalability. To provide good standardized services, cloud providers can develop virtual machines which are copies of physical servers. This is not just about savings but also about the ability to easily move VMs from one provider to another for maximum portability. There are prospects of new cloud services that are going to be available such as virtual desktops. However, issues to do with security, especially in multi-tenant deployment and the need to have a professional to manage such environments are still key issues. By addressing these and developing more innovations, virtualization can keep on revamping cloud computing and therefore influence the dynamic future of the digital environment.