Introduction to Virtualization: Virtualization 101

Virtualization is the act of creating a virtual (rather than actual) version of something, including but not limited to a virtual computer hardware platform, operating system (OS), storage device, or computer network resources. In other words, virtualization is the process of creating a software-based abstraction of a physical resource.

Why is virtualization important?

Virtualization has become increasingly important in recent years due to the following benefits:

• Resource efficiency: Virtualization allows multiple operating systems and applications to run on a single physical machine, which can help to improve resource efficiency.
• Scalability: Virtualization can be scaled up or down as needed, which makes it a flexible and scalable solution for IT infrastructure.
• Cost savings: Virtualization can help to reduce IT costs by reducing the need for physical hardware and by simplifying IT management.
• Disaster recovery: Virtualization can be used to create disaster recovery plans by replicating virtual machines to remote locations.

Types of virtualization

There are three main types of virtualization:

• Server virtualization: Server virtualization allows multiple operating systems to run on a single physical server. This can help to improve resource efficiency and scalability, and it can also make it easier to manage IT infrastructure.
• Desktop virtualization: Desktop virtualization allows users to access their desktop environment from any device, including laptops, desktops, and mobile devices. This can help to improve security and productivity, and it can also reduce the cost of IT infrastructure.
• Application virtualization: Application virtualization allows applications to be run in a virtual environment, independent of the underlying operating system. This can help to improve security and portability, and it can also make it easier to manage applications.

Server Virtualization

Server virtualization software, also known as a hypervisor, creates a virtual layer between the physical hardware and the operating systems and applications that run on it. This virtual layer allows each operating system and application to believe that it has its own dedicated physical server.

There are two types of hypervisiors:

• Type 1
• Type 2

Type 1 Hypervisor

A type 1 hypervisor, also known as a bare-metal hypervisor, is a software program that creates and runs virtual machines (VMs) on a physical server. Type 1 hypervisors run directly on the hardware, without the need for an underlying operating system. This makes them more efficient and secure than type 2 hypervisors, which run on top of an operating system.

How does a type 1 hypervisor work?

When a type 1 hypervisor is installed on a physical server, it takes control of the hardware and creates a virtual layer between the hardware and the operating systems and applications that run on it. This virtual layer allows each operating system and application to believe that it has its own dedicated physical server.

Examples of type 1 hypervisor

VMware ESXi: VMware ESXi is a type 1 hypervisor developed by VMware. It is a bare-metal hypervisor, which means that it runs directly on the hardware without the need for an underlying operating system. ESXi is a popular choice for enterprise virtualization deployments.

Microsoft Hyper-V Server: Microsoft Hyper-V Server is a type 1 hypervisor developed by Microsoft. It is a free hypervisor that can be used to create and run virtual machines on Windows Server. Hyper-V Server is a good choice for small businesses and organizations that are looking for a free virtualization solution.

Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization: Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization (RHEV) is a type 1 hypervisor developed by Red Hat. It is a bare-metal hypervisor that can be used to create and run virtual machines on Red Hat Enterprise Linux. RHEV is a good choice for organizations that are using Red Hat Enterprise Linux as their operating system.

These are just a few examples of type 1 hypervisors. There are many other type 1 hypervisors available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Benefits of type 1 hypervisors

There are many benefits to using type 1 hypervisors, including:

• Performance: Type 1 hypervisors are more efficient than type 2 hypervisors because they run directly on the hardware. This means that they can provide better performance for virtual machines.
• Security: Type 1 hypervisors are more secure than type 2 hypervisors because they are not dependent on an underlying operating system. This means that they are less vulnerable to malware and other security threats.
• Scalability: Type 1 hypervisors are more scalable than type 2 hypervisors because they can be used to create more virtual machines on a single physical server.

Drawbacks of type 1 hypervisors

There are some drawbacks to using type 1 hypervisors, including:

• Complexity: Type 1 hypervisors can be more complex to manage than type 2 hypervisors. This is because they are responsible for managing all of the hardware resources on a physical server.
• Cost: Type 1 hypervisors can be more expensive than type 2 hypervisors. This is because they are typically more complex and require more hardware resources.

Type 2 Hypervisor

A type 2 hypervisor, also known as a hosted hypervisor, is a software program that creates and runs virtual machines (VMs) on a physical server. Type 2 hypervisors run on top of an operating system, unlike type 1 hypervisors which run directly on the hardware. This makes them less efficient and secure than type 1 hypervisors, but also easier to use and manage.

How does a type 2 hypervisor work?

When a type 2 hypervisor is installed on a physical server, it takes control of the operating system and creates a virtual layer between the operating system and the hardware. This virtual layer allows each VM to believe that it has its own dedicated hardware.

Examples of type 2 hypervisor

Oracle VirtualBox: Oracle VirtualBox is a free and open-source type 2 hypervisor developed by Oracle. It can be used to create and run virtual machines on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

VMware Workstation: VMware Workstation is a commercial type 2 hypervisor developed by VMware. It is a powerful hypervisor that can be used to create and run virtual machines on Windows and Linux.

Parallels Desktop: Parallels Desktop is a commercial type 2 hypervisor developed by Parallels. It is a powerful hypervisor that can be used to create and run virtual machines on macOS.

These are just a few examples of type 2 hypervisors. There are many other type 2 hypervisors available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Benefits of type 2 hypervisors

There are many benefits to using type 2 hypervisors, including:

• Ease of use: Type 2 hypervisors are typically easier to use and manage than type 1 hypervisors. This is because they can be installed and configured on top of an existing operating system.
• Cost: Type 2 hypervisors are typically less expensive than type 1 hypervisors. This is because they do not require as much hardware resources.
• Compatibility: Type 2 hypervisors are typically more compatible with a wider range of operating systems and applications than type 1 hypervisors.

Drawbacks of type 2 hypervisors

There are some drawbacks to using type 2 hypervisors, including:

• Performance: Type 2 hypervisors are less efficient than type 1 hypervisors because they run on top of an operating system. This means that they can have a negative impact on the performance of the physical server.
• Security: Type 2 hypervisors are less secure than type 1 hypervisors because they are dependent on an underlying operating system. This means that they are more vulnerable to malware and other security threats.
• Scalability: Type 2 hypervisors are less scalable than type 1 hypervisors because they can only be used to create a limited number of virtual machines on a single physical server.

Desktop Virtualization

Desktop virtualization is a technology that allows users to access their desktop environment from any device, including laptops, desktops, and mobile devices. This is done by creating a virtual desktop that is hosted on a central server. The virtual desktop is then streamed to the user’s device, giving them the appearance of having a local desktop.

How does desktop virtualization work?

Desktop virtualization works by using a hypervisor to create a virtual machine (VM) for each user. The VM is then configured to run the user’s desktop environment. When the user logs in, their desktop is streamed to their device from the central server.

Desktop Virtualization Platforms

• VMware Horizon
• Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS)
• Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops
• Amazon WorkSpaces
• Google Cloud Desktops

… and many more

Application Virtualization

Application virtualization is a software technology that encapsulates computer programs from the underlying operating system on which they are executed. A fully virtualized application is not installed in the traditional sense, although it is still executed as if it were. The application behaves at runtime like it is directly interfacing with the original operating system and all the resources managed by it, but can be isolated or sandboxed to varying degrees.

Types of Application Virtualization

There are two main types of application virtualization:

• Desktop virtualization: Desktop virtualization is a technology that allows users to access a virtual desktop from any device. This can be helpful for organizations that want to give their employees the flexibility to work from anywhere.
• App streaming: App streaming is a technology that allows users to stream applications from a central server to their devices. This can be helpful for organizations that want to reduce the amount of storage space that applications take up on their users’ devices.

Application Virtualization Platforms

• Citrix XenApp
• Microsoft App-V
• VMware ThinApp

… and many more

Benefits of virtualization

Virtualization offers a number of benefits for businesses, including:

• Resource efficiency: Virtualization can help to improve resource efficiency by allowing multiple operating systems and applications to run on a single physical machine. This can save businesses money on hardware costs and energy consumption.
• Scalability: Virtualization can be scaled up or down as needed, which makes it a flexible and scalable solution for IT infrastructure. This can help businesses to adapt to changing business needs without having to invest in new hardware.
• Cost savings: Virtualization can help to reduce IT costs by reducing the need for physical hardware and by simplifying IT management. This can free up IT resources to focus on other tasks, such as innovation and business growth.
• Disaster recovery: Virtualization can be used to create disaster recovery plans by replicating virtual machines to remote locations. This can help businesses to recover quickly from disasters, such as natural disasters or data breaches.

Drawbacks of virtualization

Virtualization also has some drawbacks, including:

• Security: Virtualization can introduce new security risks, such as the risk of malware spreading from one virtual machine to another. Businesses need to take steps to mitigate these risks, such as using strong passwords and firewalls.
• Complexity: Virtualization can be complex to manage, especially for large organizations. Businesses need to have a good understanding of virtualization technology in order to manage it effectively.
• Performance: Virtualization can have a negative impact on performance, especially if the physical hardware is not powerful enough. Businesses need to carefully consider the performance requirements of their applications before virtualizing them.

Verdict

In today’s digital world, virtualization has become an increasingly important technology, providing countless benefits for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking to improve resource efficiency, scalability, or simply reduce IT costs, virtualization has something to offer. In this Introduction to Virtualization: Virtualization 101, we’ve covered the basics of virtualization, from the different types to the benefits and drawbacks. By understanding the ins and outs of virtualization, businesses can make informed decisions, creating IT infrastructures that work for them. So, if you’re looking to optimize your IT infrastructure, virtualization could be just what you’re looking for.