Virtualisation
Virtualisation is a technology that allows a single physical computer to be divided into multiple virtual machines, each of which can run its own operating system and applications. It is a form of software-based partitioning that enables multiple operating systems and applications to run on the same physical server.
Virtualisation has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its ability to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase flexibility. By using virtualisation, organisations can reduce their hardware costs by consolidating multiple physical servers into one or more virtual machines. This reduces the amount of hardware needed to run the same number of applications, resulting in lower capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX). Additionally, virtualisation can improve efficiency by allowing organisations to quickly deploy new applications or services without having to purchase additional hardware. Finally, virtualisation provides organisations with greater flexibility as they can easily move workloads between different physical servers or even between different cloud providers.
At its core, virtualisation is a process of creating a “virtual” version of something that already exists in the physical world. In the context of IT, this usually refers to creating a “virtual” version of a computer system or network infrastructure such as servers, storage devices, networks and other components. Virtualised systems are created using specialised software called hypervisors which allow multiple operating systems and applications to run on the same physical server simultaneously. This allows organisations to create an environment where they can quickly deploy new services or applications without having to purchase additional hardware.
The most common type of virtualisation is known as server virtualisation which involves dividing a single physical server into multiple isolated “virtual” servers that each have their own operating system and applications installed on them. This allows organisations to consolidate their existing hardware resources into fewer physical servers while still being able to run multiple applications at once. Server virtualisation also provides organisations with greater flexibility as they can easily move workloads between different physical servers or even between different cloud providers.
Another type of virtualisation is known as desktop virtualisation which involves running an entire desktop environment within a single application window on a user’s computer or device. This allows users to access their desktop environment from any device with an internet connection without having to install any additional software on their device. Desktop virtualisation also provides organisations with greater security as all data remains stored within the centralised environment rather than being stored locally on each user’s device.
Finally, there is storage virtualisation which involves combining multiple storage devices into one logical unit so that they appear as one large storage pool from the perspective of the user or application accessing it. Storage virtualisation makes it easier for organisations to manage their storage resources by allowing them to add capacity without having to purchase additional hardware and also makes it easier for them to move data between different storage devices if needed.
Overall, Virtualization has become an essential technology for many businesses due its ability reduce costs, improve efficiency and increase flexibility when deploying new services or applications within an organisation’s IT infrastructure.
