Among the multitude of concepts and technical terms that usually inhabit the information linked to Cloud Computing, one of the terms that usually causes the greatest degree of confusion is virtualization. Although they are different concepts, sometimes they are mixed up and sometimes it is believed they have nothing to do with each other. The reality is quite different, since, as we will see below, Cloud Computing uses virtualization.
To shed some light on this situation, let’s define virtualization and Cloud Computing and then learn how Virtualization Drives Cloud Computing. Let’s start!
What is virtualization?
Virtualization is a technology that allows you to virtually emulate a server, computer, operating system, hard drive, and other computing resources within a real computer. For example, it allows us to run one computer inside another or divide a hard drive into multiple partitions.
In this type of solution, the virtual machine or resource is implemented as software, like another program that will run on our computer or server. Even so, it is limited by the hardware of the computer on which it is launched. It creates several separate images from hardware software on one computer. Thanks to this solution, nowadays users are exploring Virtualization within Cloud Computing and installing several operating systems, applications, and programs on their PC.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud Computing is defined as the delivery of services, platforms, applications, and other processes over the Internet using a pay-per-use model. And why is the term cloud used? Since cloud computing technology is hosted on external servers and users access its services through any device with an Internet connection, the illusion is created that these services are hosted in a fictitious “cloud”.
Types of cloud computing
Based on the specifics of their operation, cloud environments can be:
- Public- Access to them is provided by an external service provider. They are characterized by rapid scaling in combination with minimal initial investment. Public servers are ready to provide the user with the infrastructure required to solve the problem at the first request. Clients will also be able to use the provider’s computing power at the time they need it. As soon as they are no longer needed, the “cooperation” ends. The provider charges only for the resources that the client uses.
- Private- In this case, the cloud infrastructure is built within a specific organization. There is no security threat, no bandwidth restrictions. The other features inherent in a public network are also relevant to a private one. Another feature of this type of cloud is a higher degree of control. This also applies to user access to the network, which ultimately has a positive effect on security and increases stability.
Know About Virtualization Technology in Cloud Computing
Virtualization is part of the technology that Cloud Computing uses for its operation. It is part of the technical infrastructure that allows the offering of high-performance cloud-hosted services.
One of the most common cases is desktop virtualization. This technique makes it possible to offer a Windows desktop as a Cloud Computing service over the network. This operating system does not run on a specific server in the cloud, but rather a virtual machine is generated for its use.
It should be noted that virtualization is not the exclusive domain of Cloud Computing: it is a technology that already existed before the popularization of cloud services and is used in other areas.
What Types of Virtualization are Used in Cloud Computing?
The most common types of virtualization in Cloud Computing are:
- Servers
- Grid
- Operating system and desktops
- Storage Resources
Know About the Benefits of Cloud Computing
Among the advantages of cloud computing it is worth highlighting:
- Public: All customers can use them without restrictions. It will be enough to just have the appropriate account.
- Cost-effectiveness: Cloud virtual infrastructure will be optimal in price when working with applications.
- There is no dependence on one specific computer: This increases the stability of work and minimizes the likelihood of failures.
- No hardware lock-in: To access your infrastructure as quickly as possible, just use the URL – no physical machine is required.
- Real-time operation: Several users can work with the same software application at the same time: for example, with Google documents.
- Independence of data storage from the server: This significantly increases the reliability of the cloud when working with backups and data recovery.
- The cloud allows you to demonstrate software or software across the planet: One link will be enough for any user to gain access and be able to work with them without any obstacles.
- High flexibility of access from anywhere on the planet: Makes cloud use convenient for both service providers and users.
Types of virtualization
The virtualization market can be called no less diverse. It also provides quite a lot of different products:
Simulation- Here the machine makes all the hardware virtual. The guest OS remains unchanged. This makes it possible to emulate different hardware architectures.
- Native virtualization- Also known as partial emulation. Here, not all machines are subject to virtualization, but only a part that allows them to run in isolation. This solution allowed guest hardware systems from the host architecture area to be included in the work. It provides the ability to simultaneously run several instances of guest systems.
- Paravirtualization: In this case, there is no need to simulate installations. Here, the API software interface is used, ensuring stable interaction with the guest OS.
- OS-level virtualization: Used when it is necessary to create several secure virtual servers, arranging them on one machine. As a result, we get server virtualization at the operating system level. That is, several guest systems will work with one core of the host operating system. Such virtualization is used to ensure hosting functionality.
- Application-level virtualization: Unlike the previous options, where virtual machines are used to isolate applications, here a container is already created. It will store everything that is required for the application to work. This way, you get a product that does not require installation on a similar platform.
- Encapsulation: Here the user gets a user-friendly interface. All problems and difficulties that may arise during implementation are excluded from the users’ attention.
Benefits of Virtualization
The main advantages of virtualization include:
- Low installation cost.
- The possibility of implementation on a personal computer, regardless of the type of OS.
- Flexibility of settings, and work.
- Stable operation even with low-speed network access.
- Minimum cost of equipment.
Let’s conclude!
After reading the blog, you will get a basic idea about the Importance of Virtualization for Cloud Computing. And it is impossible to create a cloud infrastructure without virtualization. Virtualization is responsible for removing hardware from a physical PC. With its help, several virtual machines are created on one server. The cloud uses these infrastructures and combines several programs, and applications to create separate instances for all users. Therefore, to deliver on-demand computing resources easily and quickly, you should get in touch with NexIT. We have years of experience handling projects. To know more about Virtualization’s Impact on Cloud Computing, call us today! Our specialists will tell you more about the features of cloud and virtual technologies. You can also contact us for the creation of such infrastructure, its support, and maintenance.
