Server Virtualization
This is a technology that changes the current view of the IT infrastructure. Present-day computers are designed to have only one operating system but virtualization allows several operating systems and applications to run concurrently on one physical machine. With no virtualization the performance capacity of computers is utilized to 5 – 15% in average, while virtualization may boost the performance rate up to 80%. Virtualization is possible with workstations as well as servers. Server virtualization is the latest business trend as this is the way to achieve a considerable reduction of investment cost, but primarily of operating cost. In practice, virtualization serves the purpose of more efficient hardware utilization and enhanced hardware security. It also allows transfer of virtual machines among physical computers (load-balancing). Server virtualization is not suitable for solutions where pure computational power of a processor is required, the computational power being the most relevant limiting factor for this technology.
Virtualization software transforms physical components of the computer (CPU, RAM, HDD, network cards) into virtual devices, which are, in turn, provided to virtual machines as physical hardware. The operating system cannot tell whether it is running on physical or virtual hardware. This feature makes it thus possible to operate a number of completely autonomous virtual machines, i.e. fully isolated desktops or servers (different operating systems) on one physical piece of hardware. The term “isolated” means that virtual machines act as autonomous stations not affecting one another. They are allocated a part of physical computer’s resources, which can be configured and modified as needed. Based on the current need for individual virtual machines, it is also possible to configure dynamic allocation of unused physical resources.
Benefits of Virtualization
The virtualization project tools we use include software solutions from VMware and Microsoft, as well as the solution supplied directly with HITACHI Blade servers. Virtualization can benefit you in a number of ways:
- running of different operating systems (Windows, Linux etc.) on a single physical machine,
- savings in operating cost resulting from improved energy efficiency, reduced number of physical machines and increased server-to-administrator ratio,
- solution to enterprise applications operation where high accessibility and performance levels are required,
- option to deliver the business continuity solution using enhanced disaster recovery applications; providing of high accessibility throughout the entire data center,
- desktop administration and control enhancement through a faster desktop installation process,
- lower incidence rate of errors caused by application conflicts, and simple testing of new application versions prior to their implementation in the production environment.
Virtualization in production environment can also be used for testing and servicing purposes. In small office and home office environments, virtualization gives you flexibility, bringing a definite cost reduction for you.