Virtualization

In computing, virtualization means to craft a virtual version of a device or resource, such as a server, storage device, network or even an operating system where the structure divides the resource into one or more execution environs. Even something as simple as segregating a hard drive is measured virtualization because you take one drive and partition it to generate two separate hard drives. Devices, applications and human users are able to interact with the virtual resource as if it were a real single logical resource. The term virtualization has become somewhat of a buzzword, and as a result the term is now associated with a number of computing technologies including the following:

• Storage virtualization
• OS virtualization
• network virtualization

Storage Virtualization

The management of storage and data is becoming challenging and time overshadowing. Storage virtualization is the process of grouping the physical storage from multiple network storage devices so that it appears like a sole storage device.

The process involves abstracting and covering the internal functions of a storage device from the host application, host servers or a general network in order to ease the application and network-independent management of storage.

Storage virtualization is also well-known as cloud storage.

Storage virtualization can be instigated by using software applications or appliances. There are three important reasons to implement storage virtualization:

1. Improved storage management in a heterogeneous IT environment
2. Better availability and estimation of down time with automated management
3. Better storage utilization

Operating System Virtualization

Operating system virtualization (OS virtualization) is a server virtualization technology that comprises adapting a standard operating system so that it can run diverse applications controlled by multiple users on a single computer at a time. The operating systems do not obstruct with each other even though they are on the similar computer.

Operating system virtualization delivers application-transparent virtualization to users by decoupling applications from the OS. The OS virtualization technique offers granulated control at the application level by enabling the transparent migration of discrete applications. The finer granularity migration offers superior flexibility, ensuing in reduced overhead. 

OS virtualization can also be used for migrating critical applications to another running operating system instance. Patches and updates to the underlying operating system are done in a timely way, and have slight or no effect on the accessibility of application services. The processes in the OS virtualized environment are secluded and their interactions with the underlying OS instance are supervised.

Network Virtualization

Network virtualization denotes to the management and monitoring of a complete computer network as a sole administrative entity from a single software-based administrator’s console. Network virtualization also may comprise storage virtualization, which includes managing all storage as an only resource. Network virtualization is intended to permit network optimization of data transfer rates, scalability, flexibility, security and reliability. It mechanises many network administrative tasks, which actually camouflage a network's true complexity. All network servers and services are measured one pool of resources, which may be used without concern to the physical components.

Network virtualization is especially convenient for networks undergoing a rapid, large and unpredictable surge in usage.

The intended result of network virtualization is improved network productivity and efficiency, as well as job satisfaction for the network administrator.

 Ms. Garima Verma

Assistant Professor

Dept. of Information Technology