Virtualization In Cloud Computing

Introduction

In this article, we will learn about virtualization in cloud computing and the concept behind virtualization. We will also discuss types of virtualization in cloud computing.

In layman's language, “virtualization” means creating a virtual version of something like some software or hardware. Let’s learn virtualization in cloud computing in detail.

Virtualization in cloud computing

In Cloud Computing, virtualization is defined as creating a virtual version of a server, desktop, storage device, network resources, or operating system. It is essentially a method that allows multiple organizations or customers to share a single physical instance of a resource or application.

Furthermore, virtualization is now widely used in enterprise IT architecture and drives cloud computing economics. Virtualization, in essence, enables cloud providers to deliver users alongside existing physical computer infrastructure.

Concept behind virtualization

In other words, we can say that virtualization is a strategy that allows numerous consumers and organizations to share a single physical instance of a resource or an application. It accomplishes this by giving a logical name to a physical storage device and providing a pointer to that physical resource when needed.

Hardware virtualization is creating a virtual machine on top of an existing Operating System and hardware. Virtual Machines provide a logically independent environment from the underlying hardware.

The machine on which the virtual machine is going to create is known as the Host Machine, and that virtual machine is referred to as a Guest Machine.

Now, let’s study some types of virtualization in cloud computing.

Types of virtualization

There are multiple types of virtualization in cloud computing. Some of them are as follows:

1. Application virtualization
   This type of virtualization enables a user to have remote access to an application hosted on a server. The application's personal information and other characteristics are saved on the server, yet it can still be run on a local workstation through the internet. For example, consider a user who has to run two separate versions of the same software.
   The hosted applications and packaged applications techniques are used application virtualization.
2. Desktop virtualization
   Desktop virtualization allows users' operating systems to be remotely stored on a data center server. It enables users to virtually access their desktop from any location using a separate machine. Users who want specific OS (operating systems ) other than Windows Server will require a virtual desktop. The main advantages of desktop virtualization are portability, user mobility, and the ease of managing software installation, updates, and patches.
3. Network virtualization
   This refers to the capacity to run several virtual networks, each with its own control and data plan. They co-exist on top of the same physical network. It can be controlled by individuals who are potentially unfamiliar with one another. Network Virtualisation can design and provision virtual networks-routers, logical switches, firewalls, load balancers, a virtual private network (VPN), and workload security (in days or even weeks).
4. Server virtualization
   This virtualization isolates the computer hardware from the operating system, allowing the virtual machine to be treated as a file. It enables the user to adjust their hardware to the current workload. This is referred to as elasticity. It enables businesses to expand their data centers without purchasing new hardware.
5. Storage virtualization
   It is the practice of combining physical storage from several network storage devices to appear as a single storage unit. Storage virtualization is also accomplished through the use of software applications. It is mainly used for backup and recovery purposes.
6. Data virtualization
   In this virtualization, data is collected from multiple sources and managed in a single location without knowing more about the technical information, such as how data is collected, stored, and formatted, and then arranged logically so that its virtual view can be accessed remotely by its interested people, stakeholders, and users via the various cloud services. Many large corporations, including IBM, At scale, Oracle, Cdata, and others, offer their services.

Let’s study some of the characteristics of virtualization.

Characteristics of virtualization

The following are some characteristics of virtualization:

• Availability: Virtualization software provides a variety of features that users would not find on physical servers; these characteristics help to increase uptime, availability, fault tolerance, and many other benefits. These features assist users in avoiding downtime, which undermines users' efficiency and productivity while also generating security concerns and safety hazards.
• Resource distribution: Virtualization allows users to create a distinct computer environment from a single host machine, allowing users to restrict the participants as active users, scale down power usage, and have easy control.
• Isolation: Virtualization software consists of self-contained virtual machines (VMs), which provide an isolated online, virtual environment to guest users (not an individual but many instances such as operating systems, applications,  and devices). This online environment protects critical information and allows guest users to stay connected.
• Authenticity and Security: Virtualization platforms ensure continuous uptime by automatically balancing load that runs an excessive number of servers across numerous host machines to prevent service interruptions.

This concludes our topic of virtualization in cloud computing. Now, let's move on to FAQs related to virtualization.

FAQs

1. What do you mean by virtualization in cloud computing?
   In cloud computing, virtualization is defined as creating a virtual version of a server, desktop, storage device, operating system, or network resources. It is essentially a technique or method that allows multiple organizations or customers to share a single physical instance of a resource or application.
2. What are the advantages of Desktop virtualization?
   The main advantages of desktop virtualization are portability, user mobility, and the ease of managing software installation, updates, and patches.
3. What are the benefits of virtualization?
   The following are some benefits of virtualization:
   It provides rapid scalability and remote access
   It increases development productivity and is more flexible
   It allows the user to run multiple OS(Operating System)
4. What are the disadvantages of virtualization?
   The disadvantages of virtualization are:
   High-cost implementation
   It also poses a security risk 
   Lack of availability
   Time intensive
5. What is hardware virtualization?
   Hardware virtualization is creating a virtual machine on top of an existing operating system and hardware.