Virtualization: why does everybody do it?

Madrid, Oct 26, 2023 – Virtualization is a technique that allows companies to run multiple operating systems and applications on a single physical server. This technology has become extremely popular in the IT world because it can reach every single corner of your company.

It is possible to virtualize business or operating processes. This involves using software that simulates a process or activity in a virtualized environment, which improves efficiency and flexibility. However, it is most common to virtualize computer systems, which involves operating on a computer (called a virtual machine) hosted in a virtual environment, i. e. in the cloud, rather than on a traditional physical computer.

How to virtualize computer systems?

To virtualize computer systems, five steps must be followed:

1. Selection of a virtualization solution: There are several on the market, so it is important to make the right choice.
2. Hardware assessment: it is necessary to ensure that physical servers have hardware virtualization capabilities and sufficient memory, storage, and processing capabilities.
3. Installation of the hypervisor: the hypervisor is the software that helps create and manage virtual machines. It can be type 1, which is installed directly on the hardware, or type 2, which is installed on an existing operating system.
4. Configuration: Once the hypervisor is installed, virtual machines can be configured and managed, and resources, storage and networks can be assigned, among others.
5. Migration and deployment: At this point, it is possible to start migrating applications and services to virtual machines or deploy new services.

Benefits of Virtualization

Why is everyone focused on virtualization? Because, as we are about to see, it offers numerous advantages:

• Efficiency and cost savings: Virtualization makes it possible to reduce the number of physical servers, thus saving hardware costs and operating expenses such as electricity and cooling.
• Agility: Virtualization facilitates the deployment, management and change of applications and computing resources.
• Business continuity: Virtualization enables easier backups, disaster recovery and migrations.
• Isolation: If an application or operating system fails, it does not affect the others that are virtualized on the same physical machine.
• Resource optimization: It is possible to allocate and reallocate resources according to needs, allowing for a more efficient use of the infrastructure.

Let’s face it: Saving costs and being more efficient is always high on the list of goals for any business process, and our list reflects that. The benefits of virtualization are especially evident and attractive in this regard:

• Hardware reduction: Companies can substantially reduce the number of physical servers and, when they do so, report reductions of between 50% and 70%.
• Energy savings: A physical server consumes energy, even if it is not used 100%. By reducing the number of physical servers, companies can achieve energy savings of 40% to 80%.
• Less physical space: By reducing the number of servers, the need for physical space is also reduced, which translates into lower leasing or ownership costs.
• Lower operating expenses: Virtualization reduces the costs associated with cooling, maintenance, and server administration. It is estimated that operating costs can be reduced by 50% or more.
• Increased uptime: Innovative virtualization solutions offer advanced high-availability and disaster recovery tools. This can significantly reduce unplanned downtime.
• Faster deployment: Virtualization enables rapid deployment of new servers and applications, reducing labor costs and accelerating return on investment.

Types of Virtualization

Now that we know how virtualization works and its great benefits for optimizing IT functions, let’s discuss the types of virtualization, which play distinct roles:

Operating system virtualization: It is implemented to run more than one operating system on the same device.

Server virtualization: It consists of running virtual machines with server version operating systems. Each machine runs an operating system independent from the others.

Storage virtualization: It integrates a series of physical and logical devices that appear to be a single storage unit and make it possible to store application, service, and user information. Cloud storage is the most widely used means of storage virtualization.

Network virtualization: It refers to the ability to combine physical and logical network resources in such a way that they are seen as a unit.

Graphics virtualization: This is an emerging and functional market. It consists of using graphics in the cloud. Just as we access our photos in the cloud, we can work with GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) acceleration remotely, without the need to physically have a computer as a workstation. This is a big leap for design and engineering professionals, as it allows them to be just as productive, regardless of their place of work, i.e., they maintain the same graphics performance anywhere and from any device.

Application virtualization: It allows applications to be encapsulated without the need to install them on the operating system. It also helps run corporate applications hosted on a shared server.

Profile virtualization: In thiscase, users have access to their profile, documents, and desktop settings in such a way that they are available when switching workstations. This means that the information is not tied to a specific workstation.

Desktop virtualization: This infrastructure allows running corporate desktops on the client’s device or centrally in the data center.

Virtualization challenges

While virtualization offers significant advantages, it also poses challenges that companies must carefully address. Let’s take a look at some of them:

• Upfront investment: Licenses for virtualization software, compatible hardware and the necessary staff training can involve significant costs.
• Complexity: Managing virtualized environments can be complex and require specific training and tools.
• Performance: If not professionally managed, virtualization can lead to inefficient use of resources.
• Security: Virtualization introduces new areas that must be protected and monitored.

To sum up, virtualization is an immensely powerful tool that, if properly implemented and managed, can offer numerous benefits to companies. However, as with any technology, it is important to approach it with careful planning and ongoing management.

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