Server virtualization – have you ever heard of it? You’d be surprised how important it is and how much it is used around the world. Now, since not many people are familiar with server virtualization, we aim to explain the important bits.
What is Server Virtualization in cloud computing?
Understanding server virtualization is very important to many people, which is why we’ve decided to explain what it is all about.
1] What is virtualization?
Virtualization is the creation of a virtual variant of anything. There won’t be physical hardware, though it shares the underlying physical hardware with an operating system that acts as the host along with virtual devices.
2] What is server virtualization, then?
It is the process of creating virtual servers that act as real servers. To allow something like this to happen, virtualization is installed on a host computer that was designed to deliver the necessary computing power and hardware.
The problem with traditional server setups is that they are usually designed to support only a single application, forcing servers to run a single workload. This can effectively waste resources, and no one wants that.
Virtual servers are better because they allow companies to cut down on the cost of having to deploy multiple physical servers which will take up additional space and use more electrical power.
3] The Hypervisor
Virtual servers can reach new heights with a layer of software known as a hypervisor. What is this? Well, it is all about abstracting the underlying hardware from the software that runs on top of it.
In layman’s terms, a hypervisor is similar to an emulator, a virtualization software, if you will. It is designed to run several virtual machines on a single computer, and it allocates resources on physical servers within the main hardware to different virtual machine instances.
4] What are the two types of hypervisors?
There are two types of hypervisors that can be used without problems in a virtual server. The names are Type 1, and Type 2, and we are going to explain a few things about them.
- Type 1: In terms of Type 1 hypervisor, also known as Bare Metal, it is more optimized due to it being already installed on the hardware. The application and the guest operating system both run on this hypervisor, and it allows the guest OS to access the hardware. Not only that, but it performs better due to the lack of a middle layer. From what we have come to understand, a Type 1 hypervisor is preferred for cloud computing and enterprise applications.
- Type 2: Also known as a hosted hypervisor, it can run on conventional operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and Mac. This type of hypervisor runs applications on the host operating system, and, not to mention, it is easier to get up and running since it already comes with a host OS. Compared to the Type 1 hypervisor, this version will experience reduced performance and increased latency.
5] Server Virtualization benefits: Advantages
Cost: A virtual server is cheaper because the user will not have to worry about hardware maintenance. This is a huge boon for companies because their IT department won’t have to invest in on-site resources or a separate space to house massive physical servers.
- Uptime: When you have a virtual server up and running, you won’t have to worry about uptime in most cases. Most companies who offer server virtualization services have stated their products have a 99 percent uptime.
- Efficiency: Another thing we like about virtual servers, is their ability to improve efficiency. For example, automatic update is a huge benefit, and virtualization reduces the load on the resources at your fingertips.
- Energy Savings: Since virtualization is neither hardware nor software, you can bet your bottom dollar that individuals and companies will save a lot of money on their electricity bills. And if you’re the type of person who cares a lot about the environment, then you’ll fall in love with server virtualization.
6] Server Virtualization benefits: Disadvantages
- Limitations: Because some applications are not compatible with virtualization, some of your most essential tools may not work as intended, or at all.
- Security: Because your virtual server is managed by a third party, it will be difficult to ensure your files are secure from prying eyes. At the end of the day, users must take their time in choosing the best solution in this regard.
Read: How to enable Automatic .NET Updates in Windows Server
What is the difference between server virtualization and network virtualization?
Server virtualization is all about separating the physical server from the Guest operating system, which provides additional benefits and capabilities.
As for network virtualization, it involves moving network applications onto a network device, which provides additional capabilities and benefits.
What is a server?
A server is a physical computer that runs services designed to serve the needs of other computers on a network.
