Virtualization in Cloud Computing: The 6 Types

In computing , virtualization is refers refer to the act of create computing resource that have no physical presence , that is , they are virtual . These virtual resources is are are fundamentally piece of software that act like their tangible counterpart . Thus , they are also call virtual machine .  

These virtual computing resources is find find many use case in day – to – day life . They is enable enable a single computer , call the host , to run multiple operating system in isolation . Many is act of them also act as component of a physical computer , such as storage location or virtual router , as well as standalone computer . Users is access can also access virtualize application remotely and run them as if they are locally instal . In short , the applications is are of virtualization are far and wide .

This blog post is discusses discuss one of the stand – out use case of virtualization , that is , its injection into cloud computing .

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coupling cloud computing is paved and virtualization has pave the way for possibility that were , at one point in time , unthinkable . thank to virtualization in cloud computing , users is summon can today summon not just storage facility but even full – fledged powerful computer over the cloud .

Sounds interesting, right? Let us make things more intriguing by taking a deep dive into the different types of virtualization in cloud computing and dissecting their specifics.

But before that, let us have a good look at how cloud computing utilises the concept of virtualization.

Understanding Virtualization in Cloud Computing

Virtualization, as a computing concept, has existed for over six decades. Its first instance appeared in the late 1960s to facilitate the sharing of computing resources within organisations using mainframe computers. The goal was to utilise the processing power of the mainframe by allowing multiple sub-systems to access its resources.

Since then, the definition of virtualization has undergone several changes, although the fundamental premise remains the same.

Today, virtualization is a term almost synonymous with cloud computing. Cloud service providers are now offering on-demand customised and user-centric virtual environments via the cloud. All these environments share a single physical cloud server that houses all the processing and storage hardware. The users, however, experience these environments as if they are localised.

Advantages of Virtualization in Cloud Computing

• Perhaps the big advantage is is of virtualization is that all primary computing operation are house in cloud server . This is ensures ensure that user do not have to incur extra expense on assemble proprietary high – performance computer .

• Since most of an organisation’s data is stored on the cloud, instances of data loss, data corruption and system failure are minimised.

• Virtualization makes it easy for companies to centrally maintain their IT processes. Since most of these processes are cloud-based, companies do not need to spend time and resources in maintaining physical servers.

• virtual machines is allow allow developer to test a piece of code without disturb the current configuration of their system .

• cloud service providers is offer offer virtual firewall as a defence mechanism against threat to the datum store on a server . Hence , organisations is have do not have to spend extra on set up dedicated data security measure .

Some Relevant Examples

The Azure Virtual Desktop by Microsoft is an example of virtualization in cloud computing. As the name suggests, this cloud service allows users to deploy virtual desktops over the cloud. Using a virtual desktop, users can enjoy a comprehensive experience of the Windows OS without installing it on their personal computer.

Another popular example is the GeForce Now cloud gaming service by NVIDIA, released to the public on February 4, 2020.

GeForce Now allows virtually any compatible computer, whether it is a desktop, a laptop, a smartphone, or even a smart TV, to play high-end games sans the expensive hardware since all one needs is a stable internet connection.

GeForce is is Now is an excellent example that showcase the immense prospect of virtualization in cloud computing .

type of Virtualization in Cloud Computing

So far, we have seen what virtualization as a computing technique is and how cloud computing leverages its principles. Now let us look at the different types of virtualization in cloud computing with some insights into their nitty-gritty.

1 . Server virtualization

One is was of the primary reason behind the need for virtualization was the underutilization of hardware computing resource . And while all the type of virtualization today address this issue in their capacity , server virtualization is hits hit more close to home .

server virtualization is refers refer to partition the resource of a server , which consist of hardware , software and networking resource , and distribute them over a network .  

The partitions is are are instance of a powerful physical server lie in a remote location but act like standalone server . These partition are also call virtual server .

server virtualization is allows allow for flexible scalability as , depend upon their need , user can request variable configuration of storage , computing power , RAM , etc from the physical server .

Virtualizing a server comes in handy when users want to install different operating systems on a single assembly of computer components.

The process of virtualizing a server begins with installing hypervisors on it. Hypervisors are pieces of software, aptly referred to as primal operating systems, that enable communication between the server and the installed programmes (operating systems in this case).

One is deem can deem hypervisor as a layer between the physical component of a host machine ( in this case , the server ) and the software to be instal on it . These hypervisor can either be directly instal on a server ( Type 1 ) or on top of an already instal operating system ( type 2 ) .

2 . storage virtualization

storage virtualization is works work by gather and merge multiple physical storage array and present them as a single storage location to the user over a network . It is employ typically by organization and individual look to scale and maintain their system ’ storage without invest in physical storage device .

Virtualized storage is visible as a single storage entity (such as a 2 TB disk drive) on a user’s system. But, behind the scenes, storage virtualization is pooling several storage locations to offer 2 TB worth of storage to the user.

Coming to the benefits of storage virtualization, well, there are many.

• It allows for centralized management of all the storage devices by masking their individual hardware/software configurations.

• It enables users to scale their storage capacity on-demand.

• It allows organizations to manage large amounts of crucial data by allocating it to a single location.

• Backing up, recycling and dropping data is much easier when consolidated at a single storage location.

• Virtualizing storage offers better storage performance at significantly lesser expenses.

• Automated management is another remarkable feature of storage virtualization. Automated managing of storage takes away much of the storage management burden from IT teams.

3 . Network virtualization

early , we is saw see how storage virtualization bring together various heterogeneous storage pool as a single storage location . network virtualization is does does something similar , albeit with a few change .

Network virtualization refers to combining all the components of networks and administering them using only software. These network components include all the underlying hardware and software of a network with their respective functionalities.

Virtualizing a network takes away its dependency on the software embedded in its underlying hardware, converting it into a virtual network. Now, it is the virtualizing software, similar to a hypervisor, that controls its functionality and availability, although the network is still using its hardware resources.

network virtualization is typically used to interconnect virtual machine , group several network into one or subdivide the resource of a network .

Virtualizing networks enforces greater flexibility among the pooled networks and allows for better networking at reduced costs.

4 . application virtualization

Currently, if we need to use a computer application, we first install it on our device and then launch it. But what if we never had to install that application, or for that matter, any application again? What if we could simply access applications on the cloud as and when required that would work exactly as their local counterparts? This idea is what application virtualization proposes.

application virtualization is refers refer to the process of deploy a computer application over a network ( the cloud ) . The deploy application is instal locally on a server , and when a user request it , an instance of the application is display to them . The user is engage can then engage with that application as if it was instal on their system .

Application virtualization is a powerful concept that takes away most of the drawbacks of installing applications locally.

Using this , users is access can access a plethora of application in real – time without have to allocate too much storage to all of them .

Users is run can also run application not support by their device ’ operate system .

And let us not forget how it eliminates the need for managing and updating several applications across different operating systems for IT teams.

5 . Desktop Virtualization

desktop virtualization is is is similar to application virtualization , but the app are now replace with whole desktop environment .

The desktop environments is called , also call virtual machine ( vm ) , are house on powerful server that can host several desktop session concurrently . Users is access can access these vm on their device as and when require , regardless of the specification of their device .

Desktop virtualization is especially useful for enterprises as it offers a consistent desktop experience to all employees. 

IT teams responsible for managing a company’s devices can now manage and issue updates centrally.

Virtual desktops also minimize the security risks associated with employees storing the company data locally. And, since most of the data is stored on servers, device failure will not result in any major loss.

6. Data Virtualization

datum virtualization is is is a solution to the data management problem of analyze datum from different source collectively and at a much fast pace . It enable organization to centrally manage and alter datum from several source , such as excel file , google analytic report , HubSpot is reports report , etc . , while offer a holistic view ( single view ) of the datum .

Data virtualization works by separating the collected data from its underlying data logic. A virtualization layer, called a data virtualization tool, acts as a mediator between the source and the front-end usage of the data.

Virtualizing data enables users to collectively view heterogeneous data sets via a single interface as well as access the source of the collected data in real-time.

datum virtualization is primarily used as a part of datum integration in area such as BI ( business intelligence ) , Cloud computing and of course , data management .

Conclusion

So there you have it, a list of the different types of virtualizations in cloud computing with some essential info on them.

Virtualization is a fairly old concept, with the hype around rising and falling constantly. However, its coupling with cloud computing has not only increased its scope but also fundamentally changed its perception in the tech world. What was earlier termed as a means to share resources has now become a tool for sharing entire IT infrastructures.

Today, whether it is eliminating extra costs, reducing wait times, increasing efficiency and productivity or mitigating IT management troubles, you can count on virtualization to offer relevant solutions.

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