Virtualization Milwaukee | Concurrency, Inc.

Virtualization is the creation of a virtual version of a device or resource, such as an operating system, server, storage device, or network when the framework divides the resource into one or more performance environments. When the system is virtualized all users are able to interact with the resource as if it were a single logical source.

Experts call the software used in virtualization a hypervisor; a computer hardware system that allows multiple operating systems to run on a single host computer. Each system appears to have a processor, memory, and any additional resources to itself but it is actually the hypervisor that controls the host processor and allocates it when needed to the operating system. This is the way the hypervisor is sure that the guest operating systems do not disrupt one another while running.

There are many types of virtualization that help to benefit a business in different ways. Some information is provided below on the following topics:

• Hardware Virtualization
• Application Virtualization
• Presentation Virtualization
• Desktop Virtualization
• Virtualization Management

Hardware Virtualization

Hardware Virtualization is a system that uses one processor to work with several different computers; essentially it has the ability to run multiple operating systems on a single server. There are two main purposes to hardware virtualization; one is the capability to run different operating systems on the same hardware and the other is to allow more than one user to use the workstation at the same time. Each operating system contains the processor, memory, and firmware resources to itself but a hypervisor, a virtual machine manager, is controlling the processor and resources. Although it is still an evolving technology, it has become a dominant source for server platforms because of its potential to facilitation multiple workloads onto a single server without needing any additional software.

Application Virtualization:

Application Virtualization is described as a different software technology that helps to improve portability, manageability, and compatibility of applications. The process rapidly deploys applications including those that have conflict with one another with little to no overhead needed. Essentially application virtualization runs software from a local server rather than the user’s own computer and alters the way the software is run. By running from a server, no changes are made to the local computer’s operation system. Some advantages of application virtualization include but are not limited to:

• Cost Saving on Hardware
• Cost Saving on Software and Licenses
• Ability to Handle Large Work Volume
• Ability to Run Multiple Versions of an Application Program on a Single Computer
• Enhanced System Reliability

Presentation Virtualization

Presentation Virtualization is a technology that has the ability to execute an application on one computer and present it on another. This gives the ability for users to share the operating system but each one still has their own independent session. Servers, such as Citrix, typically run with high utilization and memory so presentation virtualization often times has to support a high number of users. It is an interesting piece of technology because the dialogue boxes and presentation are pushed through the end users but qualities such as mouse movements are left behind.

Desktop Virtualization

Desktop Virtualization has the ability to run multiple operating systems on a single desktop such. Virtual machines are able to let multiple network subscribers maintain individual desktops on a single server. This gives the user the ability to access their personal desktop on any other capable device such as another computer or laptop. This virtualization is extremely useful for administrators that happen to be doing different tasks on the same server. This works in an opposite manner as well, one machine with resources can be spread to several soft users. One large computer, or server, is run with all the needed applications to each workstation; many people may think their computing system is separate but in reality the software is ran from another computer. Many advantages in desktop virtualization include:

• Every Computer Operates as a Completely Self-Controlled Unit
• Reduced Expenses
• Integrity of User Information
• Conflicts in Software Minimized

Virtualization Management

Virtualization Management has the ability to manage the entire virtual and physical structures with a unified set of tools. VM takes care of managing everything, including memory, of virtualization management; managing the life cycle, monitoring the servers, and automating operations. In order to be productive with virtualization it is crucial to have a proper virtualization management system set in place.

An example below shows how one server, or hypervisor, has the ability to allow multiple operating systems to run on a single host computer.

There are many reasons why virtualization has become such a substantial resource in helping businesses has to do with utilization. Most computers don’t fully consume their resources, such as memory and network, which can be frustrating because they are not using all the valuable resources they have. With vitalization you are able to have a number of computers using nearly ¼ of their total resources. In the long run this is important for businesses because it will not only save them useful resources, it will also save valuable time and money. Virtualization frees elements from one another essentially making your business have greater flexibility and a more simplified change management. This makes the systems easier to update, add and support all elements that are able to add great value to a company. Some of the key benefits include but are not limited to:

• Increase Return on Investment across Infrastructure
• Maintain “One Application-One Server” while Reducing Physical Server Issues
• Provide Optimal Desktop Solutions
• Manage Both Physical and Virtual Resources
• Ensure Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
• Improve Security by Isolating layers and Minimizing Failure

Virtualization can help to improve a business greatly with a little knowledge of how it can help you. With the different capability levels and multiple uses you can see why virtualization has been improving company’s productivity, efficiency and resource usage.