Virtualization is the practice of making software-defined machines to maximize the usage of your computing hardware and cost-effectively expand your capabilities. In a nutshell, instead of having one computer or server perform one function, virtualization allows you to split that machine into two virtual machines to share resources and perform two functions at once.
This is a simplistic explanation of a complex topic, but it’s a highly beneficial practice and one you should consider to improve your IT capabilities without additional hardware investment.
Let’s go over the basics of virtualization so you can decide if this solution is right for your business’s needs and goals.
What is virtualization?
Here’s a simplified example: Imagine you have a PC running Windows with 4 GHz of processing power and 32 GB of RAM, more than is necessary. But you also need a Mac computer to perform a specific function. Virtualization lets you create a virtual Mac computer using half the computing resources of your PC, so you get the capabilities of both without needing to buy another computer.
This also works for servers, enabling you to switch between different operating systems at will on the same server without rebooting. Virtualization can also create software-defined environments for running applications, data storage, memory, and networking.
What are the benefits of virtualization?
Virtualization has grown in popularity over the past decade because of the wide range of benefits it offers. These include:
- More efficient resource usage: Virtualization lets you leverage every inch of your IT infrastructure, maximizing its value and reducing energy costs and maintenance burdens.
- Automated management: Because these machines are virtual, your IT team can manage them with software tools, and they can even do this remotely if needed.
- Better disaster recovery: Replacing or fixing a damaged or compromised server can take hours or even days, but virtual environments can be backed up and restored in minutes.
- Expanded capabilities: With multiple virtual machines, you can run multiple operating systems, server architectures, and applications, enabling you to do more with less.
- Optimized costs: Infrastructure savings with virtualization increase when you migrate to the cloud. You can set up virtual machines with rented cloud server space whenever you want and wind it down without worrying about hardware costs.
What are the different kinds of virtualization?
Virtualization can be applied to a wide range of uses, so you can virtualize certain components of your network to meet your business’s specific needs. Here are some of the most common types of virtualization:
Desktop virtualization
As mentioned earlier, you can virtualize multiple operating systems onto a single machine. What’s more, you can host these virtual desktops in the cloud, enabling your workforce to access them remotely from anywhere at any time so they are never without their workstation.
Server virtualization
This method partitions a physical server into multiple virtual servers. Most companies use it as a way to maximize the use of their business server hardware, deploying a wide range of IT services from the same machine.
Network virtualization
Physical network switches, routers, and firewalls can be virtualized to control your network via software. This allows you to centrally manage your organization’s network, even remotely.
Storage virtualization
Storage virtualization combines the functionality of physical storage devices such as network attached storage and storage area network. Again, one of the primary advantages of this method is to centralize management, backup, archiving and more across all storage units.
Data virtualization
Data virtualization creates a software layer between all your data (regardless of location and format) and the applications that need it. Data virtualization tools process your application’s data request and return results in a suitable format, improving flexibility and efficiency.
If you want to learn more about how virtualization can elevate your business, contact Kortek Solutions. Our experienced IT consulting team will work with you to create a roadmap for implementing tailored virtualization solutions into your business’s network for a wide range of cost-saving and efficiency benefits.