Virtualization relies on software to simulate hardware functionality and create a virtual computer
system. This enables IT organizations to run more than one virtual system – and multiple operating
systems and applications – on a single server. The resulting benefits include economies of scale and
greater efficiency.
Due to the limitations of x86 servers, many IT organizations must deploy multiple servers, each
operating at a fraction of their capacity, to keep pace with today’s high storage and processing
demands. The result: huge inefficiencies and excessive operating costs.
Enter virtualization. Virtualization relies on software to simulate hardware functionality and create a
virtual computer system. This enables IT organizations to run more than one virtual system – and
multiple operating systems and applications – on a single server. The resulting benefits include
economies of scale and greater efficiency.
Virtual Machines Explained
A virtual computer system is known as a “virtual machine” (VM): a tightly isolated software container
with an operating system and application inside. Each self-contained VM is completely independent.
Putting multiple VMs on a single computer enables several operating systems and applications to run on
just one physical server, or “host.”
A thin layer of software called a “hypervisor” decouples the virtual machines from the host and
dynamically allocates computing resources to each virtual machine as needed.
Key Properties of Virtual Machines
VMs have the following characteristics, which offer several benefits.
Partitioning
• Run multiple operating systems on one physical machine.
• Divide system resources between virtual machines.
Isolation
• Provide fault and security isolation at the hardware level.
• Preserve performance with advanced resource controls.
Encapsulation
• Save the entire state of a virtual machine to files.
• Move and copy virtual machines as easily as moving and copying files.
Hardware Independence
• Provision or migrate any virtual machine to any physical server.
Types of Virtualization
Server Virtualization
Server virtualization enables multiple operating systems to run on a single physical server as
highly efficient virtual machines. Key benefits include:
• Greater IT efficiencies
• Reduced operating costs
• Faster workload deployment
• Increased application performance
• Higher server availability
• Eliminated server sprawl and complexity
Desktop Virtualization
Deploying desktops as a managed service enables IT organizations to respond faster to changing
workplace needs and emerging opportunities. Virtualized desktops and applications can also be quickly
and easily delivered to branch offices, outsourced and offshore employees, and mobile workers using
iPad and Android tablets.
Network Virtualization
By completely reproducing a physical network, network virtualization allows applications to run on a
virtual network as if they were running on a physical network — but with greater operational benefits
and all the hardware independencies of virtualization. (Network virtualization presents logical
networking devices and services — logical ports, switches, routers, firewalls, load balancers, VPNs and
more — to connected workloads.)
Virtualization vs. Cloud Computing
Although equally buzz-worthy technologies, virtualization and cloud computing are not interchangeable.
Virtualization is software that makes computing environments independent of physical infrastructure,
while cloud computing is a service that delivers shared computing resources (software and/or data) on
demand via the Internet. As complementary solutions, organizations can begin by virtualizing their
servers and then moving to cloud computing for even greater agility and self-service.
