An Intro to Virtualization: Exploring the Pros and Cons of Virtualization
Virtualization as a concept has been around for quite some time. While its origins can be traced back to the 1960s, it has gained traction mainly over the past two decades. Back then, corporations like IBM used virtualization to create sessions on a single piece of hardware, enabling multiple user access and ensuring that hardware was used to its full potential. Virtualization has evolved beyond simple time-sharing operating systems, like the one we just described, to encompass a range of capabilities.
As businesses are always on the lookout for technologies to improve performance and profit margins, the adoption of virtualization is on the rise. It is also the key technology that makes cloud computing possible. This blog aims to provide you with the necessary preliminary information to keep close tabs on the latest trends in virtualization.
What Is Virtualization?
Simply put, virtualization is the process of creating multiple virtual servers, desktops, operating systems, etc. all of which operate on the same hardware. This is made possible by a hypervisor which serves as the layer that separates the virtual session from the hardware. The hypervisor also referred to as a virtual machine monitor (VMM), ensures that each session has the necessary resources allocated to it to ensure its normal functioning. It also prevents them from clashing, serving as a barrier between individual sessions. There are two types of hypervisors, conveniently classified as Type 1 and Type 2 hypervisors.
Type 1 hypervisors or bare metal hypervisors are installed directly onto the host machine’s hardware. Since they interact directly with the underlying hardware without mediating with any OS, they are also often called virtual operating systems.
Type 2 hypervisors, on the other hand, are installed on the host machine’s OS. It must interact with the OS to access system resources and is also referred to as a hosted hypervisor.
The nature of their installation adds different levels of complexity and ability to handle workloads to each of them. Type 1 hypervisors are more suited for large enterprises that are looking to create and deploy a lot of VMs. Type 2 hypervisors are not as complex as Type 1 and have lower associated costs making them suitable for smaller businesses.
Another set of technical terms that constantly pop up when discussing virtualization is host and guest machine. The host machine refers to the hardware on which the virtual sessions/virtual machines (VMs) are created while the session is called the guest machine.
Virtualization has significantly transformed the IT landscape by transforming how resources and applications are being managed and used. Utilizing the virtual versions of physical resources offers benefits in terms of efficiency, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and more.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Virtualization?
Despite how crucial virtualization has become in IT environments, it is not without its drawbacks. This section will take a closer look at the pros and cons of virtualization.
Cost
Pro: Virtualization is the ultimate money-saver in the long run. Implementing it does not require organizations to have hardware on-site, saving them the time and money of buying and installing desktop systems. It also helps reduce administrative and operational spending as the IT staff can automate recurring processes.
Con: The initial licensing and server costs are much higher than those of desktop setups. However, virtualization technology lives up to its fancy price tag by providing operational capabilities that cannot be attained on traditional systems.
Data Security
Pro: Virtualization tech comes with robust data backup, recovery, and duplication options. A variety of tools exist that can easily replicate and recreate VMs in case of an attack or accident. This keeps operational downtime to a minimum and allows companies to bounce back quickly from disruptions.
Con: The presence of multiple VMs operating simultaneously provides threat actors with new ways of infiltrating the network. This risk is compounded by the complexity of managing and configuring virtual environments, especially for people with no prior virtualization experience.
Scalability, Flexibility, and Resource Utilization
Pro: The core principle that drove the invention and improvement of virtualization technology was maximizing resource utilization. It comes as no surprise that virtualization allows organizations to get nearly 100% return on investment on their IT expenses. Businesses have the option to specify exactly how much computing power and storage space they need and pay for only that much. This is a much better business model compared to buying traditional hardware and servers, which were rarely if ever, used to their full potential.
Additionally, since organizations can simply request and pay for additional servers and resources, scaling up to meet increased workloads or market needs becomes a breeze. This provides a degree of flexibility to scaling needs that cannot be achieved via traditional setups.
Con: Although virtualization improves resource utilization, organizations might experience a dip in performance if multiple sessions try accessing the same shared resource simultaneously. Traditional setups do not face this issue as every user has access to their personal system with all the computing power and resources available for their use alone. System administrators also need to carefully plan and manage resource allocation to prevent bottlenecks in performance.
Management
Pro: VMs offer organizations unparalleled administrative management. Several tools exist that make monitoring and maintaining centralized VMs hassle-free.
Con: The downside to the ease of management and 24/7 session availability is that virtualized environments are often complex, requiring specialized knowledge. This barrier to entry forces organizations to have experienced IT staff, well-versed in configuring and managing virtual sessions.
| Aspect | Pro | Con |
| Cost | -Saves money, in the long run -Eliminates the need for on-site hardware -Reduces administrative and operational costs | -Higher initial licensing and server costs -Price tag justified by advanced capabilities |
| Data Security | -Robust data backup and recovery options -Tools available for replicating and recreating corrupted VMs -Minimizes downtime and aids quick recovery | -Increased risk of network infiltration with multiple VMs -Complexity of management adds to security risks, especially for inexperienced users |
| Scalability, Flexibility, and Resource Utilization | -Maximizes resource utilization -Pay only for needed computing power and storage -Easily scalable to meet increased demands | -Potential performance degradation due shared resource access -Requires careful management to avoid bottlenecks |
| Management | -Superior administrative management -Various tools simplify monitoring and maintaining the VMs | -Complexity requires specialized knowledge -Necessitates experienced IT staff for effective management and configuration |
Types of Virtualization
Advances in virtualization technology have resulted in several offshoots, allowing the virtualization of various IT elements. This section covers the most important types of virtualization.
Server Virtualization: As already mentioned, organizations underutilized and overspent on traditional servers, as they were rarely used to their full potential. Server virtualization is the process of partitioning a single physical server into multiple virtual servers to address the above problem. The hypervisor is installed directly onto the server to manage and allocate resources to the VMs.
Network Virtualization: This type of virtualization combines hardware and software network resources in a single centralized panel. This simplifies network control as administrators can control network functionality without having to individually interact with elements like firewalls or routers. Network virtualization allows organizations to maintain uniform and consistent configurations and security protocols across different offices from a single location.
Application Virtualization: Although most workspaces use a Windows environment, with the growing trend of remote work and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, other operating systems like Linux and MacOS are also used in professional circles. This can sometimes create disruptions, especially when users require access to applications that only operate on a specific OS. Application virtualization helps overcome this by running application software in a virtual environment, which can then be accessed from the device, bypassing OS restrictions.
Operating System Virtualization: Also known as OS virtualization, operating system virtualization involves the creation of multiple user instances with a dedicated OS, on a single host operating system. Each isolated user instance constitutes an individual VM, and end users can access them via the virtualization software. This allows users to access different OSs, and the tools and software linked with them.
Desktop Virtualization: By creating a software-based version of the user’s desktop environment, desktop virtualization allows users to access their system from any device connected to the internet. Remote desktop service (RDS) and Desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) are both examples of desktop virtualization.
Data Virtualization: Since organizations handle large amounts of data daily, utilizing tools and software that simplify and streamline data access and storage is crucial for operational success. Data virtualization helps in this regard by creating an interface between the stored data and the user requests for it, accelerating its retrieval and presentation.
Partner with Apps4Rent for the Fastest Transition to a Virtual Setup
Transitioning to a virtual environment can no longer be treated as just an option. Organizations stand to benefit greatly from deploying virtual desktop solutions in their workspace, and those that do not will inevitably be left behind.
Apps4Rent can help you meet your virtualization needs in the shortest possible time. Our decades of technical experience with virtual desktops and cloud computing solutions make us the ideal service provider to partner with. Our round-the-clock support staff will be more than happy to help you with any concerns or queries regarding virtualization and its logistical details for your organization. Contact us now by chat, mail, or phone to learn how we can help you!
