Virtualization is the creation of a virtual (rather than
actual) version of something, such as an operating system, a server, a storage
device or network resources. Virtualization is a computing technology that
enables a single user to access multiple physical devices. This paradigm
manifests itself as a single computer controlling multiple machines, or one
operating system utilizing multiple computers to analyze a database.
Virtualization is about creating an information technology infrastructure that
leverages networking and shared physical IT assets to reduce or eliminate the
need for physical computing devices dedicated to specialized tasks or systems.
Cloud computing is a style of computing in which dynamically
scalable and often virtualized resources are provided as a service over the
Internet. Through cloud computing, a world-class data center service and
colocation provider such as Consonus offers managed IT services through a
hosted or "Software as a Service" model. A server or database can be
physically located in a highly-secure, remote location while the data is
accessed from a client's computer, using the database's server to retrieve,
sort, and analyze the data. This arrangement eliminates the need for a costly
in-house IT department and hardware and the associated capital expense.
Instead, a cloud computing provider owns the hardware while providing hosted,
managed services to its clients on a usage basis. Cloud computing generally
utilizes virtualized IT resources such as networks, servers, and computing
devices.
Virtualization Paradigm
Virtualization comes in many types, all focusing on control
and usage schemes that emphasize efficiency. This efficiency is seen as a
single terminal being able to run multiple machines, or a single task running
over multiple computers via idle computing power. Virtualization is also seen
in a central computer hosting an application to multiple users, preventing the
need for that software to be repeatedly installed on each terminal. Data from
different hard drives, USB drives, and databases can be coalesced into a
central location, both increasing accessibility and security through
replication. Physical computer networks can be split into multiple virtual
networks, allowing a company's central IT resources to service every department
with individual local area networks.
A computing device dedicated to individual members of staff
or allocated to one specialized software application is highly inefficient, not
to mention expensive. Just as the industrial revolution blossomed when people
realized one water wheel could run multiple textile looms, so can today's high-powered
computers run multiple processes. Virtualization is an approach to
consolidating technology resources for improved efficiency and the elimination of
redundancy by leveraging every opportunity to utilize idle resources and find
places where multiple processes can be run at one time.
Cloud Computing
The widespread availability of cheap computing power in
business and in homes has created the next advance in information technology.
With all of the spare computing devices available, the time has come where the
need for a business to own their own central server and database can be
considered an obsolete notion.
By not locating a server or database in-house, data center
services can be obtain from an IT server provider that has invested in
developing world-class IT infrastructures that are secure, resilient, and
robust. The entire capital expenditure of a state-of-the-art server room can be
avoided while obtaining those services on a usage basis. Managed IT Service
fees are similar to or less than the operating costs of an in-house data center
solution. With the potential to completely avoid capital costs and eliminate
any increases in operating costs, cloud computing is an extremely attractive
option.
This cost savings is possible thanks to the leverage of
efficiencies. A typical IT department is created to service the peak usage
needs of a company. However, the vast majority of the time, that potential sits
idle. Most servers are not operational outside of business hours and when they
are in use, they rarely operate at 100% of their capabilities. Data center
services provided by a third party are in dynamic use. Powerful computing
resources and robust hosted, managed services become available 24x7x365. This
fluid scaling of computing resources allows each client to utilize those
resources at a competitive price.
A key advantage of Virtualization and Cloud Computing is a
significant improvement in security, availability, and data protection. A
decentralized IT infrastructure managed by an IT service provider that is
wholly dedicated to its resilience and availability is immune to physical or
data disasters. Replication over multiple systems ensures data backups. A
dedicated data center service provider is better able to keep up with the
latest security methods and technology upgrades. Through the provision of
managed IT services, all of these benefits are embedded in the cloud computing
model.
Ultimately cloud computing is about leveraging computing
resources to their fullest potential. For the majority of companies outside of
the technology industry, this means utilizing hosted, managed services rather
than trying to maintain an in-house system that would ultimately prove
wasteful. This fits into the virtualization paradigm whereby the efficient
utilization of an IT service provider renders unnecessary an in-house IT
solution. Together, they represent the next step in IT infrastructure: reducing
costs while increasing efficiency.
About the Author
Steve Bulmer is CTO and an author for Consonus, a solutions
provider of data center
services, IT consulting and infrastructure and managed services. Consonus
offers virtualization solutions tailor-made to fit any business
need.
Source:
goarticles.com
