Virtualization: Basics & advantages of efficient use of IT resources

The performance of computers is often not fully utilized and valuable resources are wasted. Virtualization solves the problem by the technology distributing the available capacities in the best possible way to virtually created working environments such as hardware, software, operating systems or network resources. The result: more efficiency, greater security, less complexity and lower costs. Virtualization is therefore an important part of current IT development and in the server and storage area is even the prerequisite for cheap cloud offers. Server, client and application virtualizations are often used to reduce costs and administration effort.

In the context of cloud services and in the hosting area, private users, SMEs and large companies also benefit from the advantages. You can find out more about the exciting concept here and in detail in the following articles!

The definition

The replication of a software or hardware object by creating an abstraction layer is called virtualization. IT resources such as software, hardware, network components and storage are virtualized. The virtual systems are called "guest systems" and the physical system is called "host".

How does virtualization work?

Virtualization and the simple explanation using computers as an example: A physical computer provides the resources for one or more virtual computers. These virtual machines use the hardware of the physical computer. The administrator decides how much memory and processor power is available on the devices. In this way, IT resources can be distributed as needed and used efficiently.

The advantages

The many advantages make virtualization a more central part of the IT infrastructure today:

• Optimize hardware utilization: Multiple virtual machines (VMs) share the existing hardware, which improves processor utilization and enables effective partitioning of storage media. The alternative to virtual machines is the Container Virtualization with its own benefits. Virtualization is the standard for cloud computing and data center resource provisioning.
• save energy: Working with virtual machines contributes to greener IT, as the effective operation of physical servers reduces power consumption.
• reduce costs: Fewer physical systems are required – power consumption is reduced, which saves money.
• Less space required: Less floor space is required for racks and cabling, the free space can be used for other purposes.
• Security: With virtualization, applications can run on two physically separate servers. If there is a problem on one server, the application continues to run on the other server. With hardware virtualization, each guest system exists in a virtual environment; hackers can usually not influence other guest systems of the same host. The environment of the VM is isolated from the rest of the system, an infected VM does not affect the overall system.
• Flexible remote access: Server administrators can access the servers remotely and tweak settings.

The disadvantages

Like any technology, virtualization also has disadvantages:

• High performance required: In order to run many guest systems on a host, it must provide sufficient performance.
• Total failure possible: If the physical host system fails, all VMs fail, appropriate protection is necessary.
• licensing: There can be problems with software licenses, because legally VMs count as independent computers.

The different technologies & approaches

The development began with the virtualization of servers in data centers and has long existed in desktop, network and storage systems. The techniques for virtualizing servers, operating systems and other components differ from one another. Therefore, the virtualization types are recommended for different applications and users.

Virtualization in the hosting area

Thanks to virtualization technologies, private individuals and SMEs can book high-performance hosting solutions from web hosting providers and adapt them to their individual needs without having to invest in hardware. Dedicated servers are customizable to meet individual needs, allowing users to deliver resource-intensive web applications at high speeds. They are suitable for demanding web applications with large amounts of data (big data), machine learning, live streaming, website hosting and the virtualization of IT infrastructure.

Virtual Private Servers (VPS)

Virtual Private Servers (VPS) have historically been a cost-effective and limited alternative to root servers and dedicated servers. Meanwhile, VPS on an operating system kernel-based virtual machine (KVM) offer full virtualization with more performance and flexibility. The ultra-fast virtual private servers are suitable, among other things, for content management systems such as WordPress, as a mail server and cloud storage, via Docker and container virtualization development environments can be easily set up on a VPS. Powerful server options ensure the execution of business-critical applications with minimal latency and maximum server online availability with isolated resources.

Bare Metal Server

For full control over the server, bare metal servers are optimal. Users get root and admin rights and control all settings right down to the kernel - the central component of an operating system.

An example of this is the Host Europe root servers. Find out more about the hosting solution with dedicated resources and the convenience of a virtual solution

Server Virtualization

When it comes to virtualization, the focus is often on mature server virtualization. Several virtual instances (virtual servers) run side by side on a powerful server and share resources such as storage space and processor power. Various software and hardware technologies are used. The provision of the virtual resources is customizable.

Dedicated servers are an excellent platform for this. More information can be found here.

software virtualization

The virtualization of software separates programs from the operating system - that means: Virtualized applications do not have to be installed on the computer and can be run directly. Software virtualization enables applications to be run on operating systems that are actually not compatible. Another advantage is the so-called "sandboxing", which many virtualization solutions use. Program changes are written to a virtual file system - this avoids damage caused by malware and conflicts with other applications, for example. In the context of operating system virtualization, for example, Windows 10, Linux Mint and macOS run simultaneously on one computer.

hardware virtualization

You can use virtualization software to create multiple virtual machines (VMs) on your computer that share the available hardware resources. In this way, for example, a different Linux distribution can be installed in each VM and tested extensively. The virtual machines are suitable, among other things, as test environments for trying out other operating systems, as backup solutions in the form of a snapshot of the guest system and for testing software for developers.

In the article Enable virtualization: Windows, macOS & Linux learn how to enable virtualization in the BIOS on Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems.

Network Virtualization

This form of virtualization combines the network resources and divides the bandwidth into independent and secured channels. These can be assigned to specific servers and devices. Administrators benefit from more flexibility, reliability and scalability.

Desktop Virtualization

Instead of providing desktop environments individually on many computers, central provision via desktop virtualization over a network is possible. In the two forms, the operating system runs either locally or remotely. In this way, local computers can be replaced by virtual machines and hardware resources can be used more efficiently.

Computer Virtualization

As part of the virtualization of a computer, the entire system can be backed up and started on another. In this way, private individuals can, for example, back up their old PC and start the virtual machine on a new computer. This way every file and email is secured.

OS Virtualization

This form uses the functions of the operating system. Users can create multiple user accounts, log in with them and only access individual data.

storage virtualization

This involves merging several physical network storage systems. There is only one central data store for the user, known as a storage pool. Storage virtualization facilitates tasks such as data backup, archiving, and recovery.

Cover motif: Photo by Ian Battaglia on Unsplash