Virtualization is the process of creating software-defined computing environments, often called virtual machines (VMs), that operate independently on a single physical system. By decoupling hardware from its operating systems and applications, virtualization enables your business to maximize infrastructure utilization, reduce costs, and enhance IT flexibility. In short, virtualization allows you to do more with less.
This quick beginner’s guide to virtualization will explain the basics of this technology and how it can benefit your organization.
What is virtualization?
At its core, virtualization allows a single physical device, typically a server, to run multiple separate systems or functions simultaneously. Rather than dedicating one server or desktop to a single task or operating system, you can partition its resources across multiple virtual environments.
For example, if your server is running Microsoft Windows but is only utilizing a fraction of its CPU and memory, you can separate the unused resources to instead run a macOS server on the same device. So now, instead of having one inefficient server, you have the benefit of two servers without needing to buy any extra hardware.
The most common types of virtualization
Virtualization is a versatile technology that applies to many areas of IT infrastructure, not just servers. Which of these solutions works best depends on your business objectives.
Server virtualization
As demonstrated above, server virtualization divides a single physical server into multiple virtual servers, each capable of running independently with its own operating system and applications. This approach increases hardware efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and simplifies deployment of services such as databases, web servers, and line-of-business applications.
Desktop virtualization
This method hosts virtual desktops on centralized servers. Employees can securely access their personalized desktops and all of their work from any device or location, making it ideal for remote work, bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, and disaster recovery.
Network virtualization
Network components such as routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers can be abstracted and managed via software. This allows centralized control, enhanced scalability, and greater network agility. Network virtualization is a key enabler of software-defined networking (SDN) architectures.
Storage virtualization
Storage virtualization combines multiple physical data storage drives into a single, unified storage pool. This approach simplifies your data management responsibilities, optimizes resource utilization, and streamlines your backup and disaster recovery processes.
Data virtualization
Data virtualization abstracts data across databases, cloud platforms, file systems, and other sources, then presents it in a unified view to users and applications. It eliminates the need for complex data replication or consolidation, improving agility in data-driven operations. Put simply, it allows you or your apps to get the data you need fast regardless of its format or location.
Why should your business implement virtualization?
Virtualization provides significant technical and operational advantages to your business beyond just reducing your hardware needs.
- Maximized resource utilization: Virtual machines share computing resources, allowing you to fully utilize your hardware investments without overprovisioning.
- Improved business continuity: Virtualized environments are easier to back up and restore. In the event of a failure, your systems and data backups can be recovered quickly, minimizing downtime.
- Centralized and remote management: Virtual machines can be monitored, patched, or reconfigured remotely through centralized management platforms, simplifying your IT operations and reducing the burden on your IT staff.
- Scalability and flexibility: You can spin up new virtual environments quickly as the need arises, either on premises or in the cloud, so you don’t need to buy new hardware.
- Cost optimization: By consolidating servers and reducing hardware redundancy, you will save on equipment, power, cooling, and maintenance.
Ready to see how virtualization can benefit your business specifically? Contact USWired for a free consultation, and our experienced IT consultants will work with you to develop a plan for improving your operational efficiency with customized IT solutions, including virtual machines. We’ll provide recommendations for which VMs will meet your needs best, as well as implement and maintain these solutions for you for maximum cost and productivity benefits.
