WHAT IS VIRTUALIZATION?

Virtualization hints at using software to abstract computer hardware resources from operating systems and applications. Rather than interacting directly with hardware like processors, memory, storage and networking components, such virtualization software layer creates a hardware-independent platform powered by virtual resources.

The concept allows for users and applications to interact with virtualized hardware typically mimicking underlying physical systems. One component can function as multiple virtual resources and resources can be provisioned or combined in time-multiplexing arrangements without users recognizing any difference.

The idea of virtualization enables resource pooling and utilization efficiencies far beyond fixed hardware representing distinct systems or services. Dynamic allocation aligns virtualized resources with actual demand while keeping extra idle resources ready for traffic peaks. Users realize a consistent experience plus admins apply policies controlling resource access and bandwidth.

The main virtualization types are:

– Network virtualization pools switches, routers and firewalls into aggregate bandwidth provisioning for network segmentation and subnetting, traffic controls and cloud connectivity. That facilitates speed and centralized change management as virtual networks evolve.

– Storage virtualization aggregates multiple storage hardware arrays into logical pools of storage capacity. Admins quickly allocate virtual storage without users identifying the underlying storage hardware assets. It eases capacity expansion and data redundancy.

– Server virtualization runs multiple isolated runtime environments called virtual machines off one physical server, each with own virtualized compute, memory, storage and networking components. Hypervisors like VMware help monitor and manage these virtual machines and underlying server resources.

Colocating multiple guest operating systems and workloads on same always-on server hardware better utilizes processing power while segregating contention risk. With virtual servers encapsulating complete app stacks, app portability soars. Services like Amazon Web Services often utilize server virtualization under the hood as a foundation for provisioning cloud-based compute.

The only thing not virtual about virtualization is the performance and cost efficiencies generated from maximized utilization, resource fluidity, change flexibility and centralized management. Thanks to virtualization, computing looks more like electricity – which users similarly consume without a second thought around underlying utility infrastructure complexity.