With great technology comes great virtualization. The scenario becomes more interesting when it is coupled with cloud computing. Interestingly, as per reports, the revenue from the virtualization software market is estimated to reach between 120 and 163 billion USD by 2027.
Also, the cloud computing market is set to reach approximately 675 billion USD in 2024.
Virtualization in cloud computing provides both flexibility and infrastructure to turn ideas into realities. Let us understand the concepts in depth.
What is Virtualization in Cloud Computing?
Virtual world is the representation of physical reality. Similarly, virtualization in cloud computing allows us to create virtual versions of resources such as servers, networks, applications, storage, and more. Furthermore, instead of depending on a physical hardware for each task, virtualization makes it possible to run multiple virtual machines on a single physical machine via software known as hypervisor.
Also, in the context of cloud computing, virtualization allows physical resources such as servers and storage to be divided and shared among multiple users, meanwhile keeping the user’s data and activities separate.
Key components of virtualization
Let us understand the concept through the components of the process of virtualization.
- Physical server, computer, or resource as the base.
- Hypervisor placed between the hardware and virtual machine, managing resource allocation.
- Virtual Machines operating as independent entities having their own operating system and applications.
Simply put, imagine virtualization as a school with a single building (hardware), where each classroom (virtual machine) has its own private lessons as though it were its own structure. The school’s maintenance head (hypervisor) ensures the fair distribution of electricity, water, and books in all the classrooms.
A Little More About Hypervisor
Hypervisor, a software constituent, handles multiple virtual machines on a physical machine (for instance, a computer). Its main function is resource allocation to all the virtual machines such that it doesn’t hinder the working of other virtual machines.
Hypervisors can be installed directly in the hardware (known as Type 1 hypervisor) or installed on the operating system (known as Type 2 hypervisor).
Benefits of Virtualization in Cloud Computing
Here are a few reasons to employ virtualization in cloud computing:
To Save Costs
Virtualization lowers the need for physical hardware, thereby lowering the operational costs and capital expenditure. For instance, a business can consolidate 12 physical servers into 2 by running multiple virtual machines, thus saving hardware and energy costs.
For Flexibility
Adding new virtual machines or provisioning new resources in the cloud is possible with a few clicks. Therefore, it comes in handy during fluctuating workloads, scaling a business, storing data, etc.
To Mitigate Risks and Recover Quickly
Virtual Machines are easy to replicate and allow us to set up location-independent virtual resources, thereby, enabling quick recovery and seamless backups. For instance, in case of a problem in any business, virtual machines can be directed to operate in a different location within minutes.
For a Secure Environment
Cloud providers maintain extra caution and provide layered security to all the resources, including both hardware and software resources. For instance, providing security against cyber threats via firewalls, data backup, end-to-end encryption services, and more.
For Resource Optimization
Making optimal use of computing resources is one of the key provisions of virtualization. That is why many businesses host multiple lightweight applications on the same physical server rather than maintaining multiple ones.
Types of Virtualization in Cloud Computing
Let us enhance our knowledge further by delving into the types of virtualization in cloud computing:
Server/Hardware Virtualization
It is one of the most common forms employed in cloud computing. With the aid of a hypervisor, it splits up the physical server into various virtual servers. Now, these virtual servers will operate independently of other servers, and use their own operating system. It helps in utilizing the full processing capacity of the device that you employ.
Network Virtualization
It allows us to control and manage the virtual networks independent of the physical infrastructure. Businesses can manage all the network configurations through the cloud itself.
For instance, a company might have different branches all over the world, with each branch’s network involving several hardware supplies, such as routers, firewalls, etc. Network Virtualization helps centralize all these network resources into one single unit. Now, admins may operate all the required tasks with ease without worrying about the location of physical components.
Storage Virtualization
Storage virtualization helps to store all your physical data into a large, single-unit virtual storage. Moreover, this data may be accessed and controlled via cloud software. Thus, it streamlines the storage of different types of data, despite it being from different vendors or locations.
Desktop Virtualization
Some of the users or the employees are not tech-savvy. Therefore, desktop virtualization comes to the rescue. It allows you to simulate any desktop or PC remotely from anywhere around the world. Furthermore, organizations may provide remote access of different operating systems to their teams on virtual machines.
Data Virtualization
The field of data is expanding each second. Thus, businesses are collecting and storing data in different formats and different locations. But most of them are employing cloud infrastructure or an in-house data storage center.
Data Virtualization comes into the scene by creating a virtual layer. This layer is set between the data and the source (where the data is needed). It makes the integration and analysis of huge amounts of data a breeze.
Wrapping it up
Virtualization in cloud computing is an incredible technology that offers seamless solutions for different users from diverse industries. By abstracting physical resources, virtualization helps organizations scale their business as well as upgrade their IT infrastructure in this constantly changing technological environment.
There are ample cloud computing service providers operating in the market. However, choosing the right cloud computing services becomes essential to ensure a seamless and transformative experience for businesses. Therefore, ensure that you get well-tailored solutions that are cost-effective as well as provide top-notch services.
