Feature Writer | Suparna Ganguly

In this post, I’ll walk you through the concept of Virtualization in Cloud Computing.

We’ll explore Virtualization in Cloud Computing, its types, working procedure, and advantages.

So, let’s begin.

What is Virtualization in Cloud Computing?

Virtualization in Cloud Computing is a technique of creating a virtual version of something.

One can separate the services from the physical delivery of the same through virtualization. 

A storage device, a server, a desktop, network resources, or an operating system – a virtual platform can exist out of any computer hardware.

Virtualization enables users to share one application or resource over multiple machines.

It assigns a logical name to the physical storage. 

And you get a pointer to that particular physical resource to connect with.

Virtualization in Cloud Computing is a rapidly growing fundamental concept of computing.

The virtualized environment obtained can be either private or public.

The term Virtualization is interchangeably used for the Hardware Virtualization concept, which plays a vital role in delivering IaaS or Infrastructure-as-a-Service solutions in cloud computing.

What are the Types of Virtualization?

There are 4 main types of Virtualization in Cloud Computing, such as:

• Server Virtualization

• Storage Virtualization

• OS Virtualization

• Hardware Virtualization

Now, let’s see each of the virtualizations in brief.

Server Virtualization in Cloud Computing

Server Virtualization in Cloud Computing means installing the software directly on the server.

The server administrator splits up one physical server into many servers using the software.

This helps balance the server load.

Server Virtualization is also used in masking server resources consisting of identities and numbers.

Storage Virtualization in Cloud Computing

Storage Virtualization is grouping the physical storage of different network storage devices using software applications.

It makes them look like one storage device.

It’s done for the purpose of backup and recovery.

OS Virtualization in Cloud Computing

The process of installing a Virtual Machine Manager on the host operating system is called Operating System Virtualization.

In this case, VMM is not installed on the hardware peripherals.

OS Virtualization is really useful in testing applications on various platforms of OS.

Hardware Virtualization in Cloud Computing

Hardware Virtualization means installing VMM directly on the system hardware.

This process is used because often it’s easy to use VMM than using physical peripherals.

Hardware virtualization has a hypervisor that controls hardware resources, memory, and other processes.

How Does Virtualization in Cloud Computing Work?

The Hypervisor is a software solution with which the customers can access the server.

This software is a connecting link between the virtual environment and the server, and it helps distribute resources into various virtual environments.

In Cloud Computing, you share the data which is present in the cloud.

The software application and server required by the cloud companies are usually maintained by a third party.

Because it’d be costly to release a new version of the software for the customers always. 

Advantages of Virtualization in Cloud Computing

So why do you need Virtualization in Cloud Computing?

Here are the advantages of Virtualization.

A Way of Cutting the Costs

Virtualization in Cloud Computing cuts the cost of physical hardware and server.

All data are stored in the virtual server.

It reduces the electricity bills and maintenance costs.

Virtualization enables businesses to run multiple apps and OSs through a single server.

Secure Operations

Security is a primary concern for every business.

Firewalls provide great support in preventing unauthorized access and protecting data from harmful malware.

So, the customer can virtualize their data without any worries.

Also, a backup can be created in the server to store the data.

Flexibility in Transferring Data

Virtual networks make data transfer operations efficient and agile.

It eliminates the troublesome procedure of data recovery from corrupted devices.

You can locate the data required and transfer it to the allotted authorities at any time without much effort.

There are unlimited possibilities of data transfer.

Worried about running out of storage?

Additional storage facilities are also available in virtualization at a minimal cost.

No Risks of Losing Data through System Failure

Virtualization in Cloud Computing eliminates the risk of losing data through system failure.

Because the data you store in the cloud can be retrieved easily.

Two servers work side by side.

So, even by chance, you lose data stored in one server, you can access the data from the second server.

The Bottom Line

Virtualization in Cloud Computing saves you from major threats of data losses.

A system might crash at any time.

So, it’s always advisable to use virtual servers to store important work data.

Virtualization is also quite economical with many Cloud Computing solutions available right for you, such as Salesforce, Shells, and AWS.

Companies can effectively implement cloud computing through Virtualization in Cloud Computing.