Virtualization

In general, virtualization describes a technology concept in which software resources are separated from hardware resources. In practice, this allows multiple services and logical systems to run on one physical system. Virtualization therefore acts as a logical abstraction layer.

It can be divided into three basic forms, which should be considered less in isolation and more as integrated building blocks. In their basic forms, they can be described as follows:

Server Virtualization

One physical server hosts multiple logical (virtual) servers, each capable of running different applications. A typical example is operating several software platforms in parallel for different services (for example email and office applications) on the same physical system.

Storage Virtualization

Storage virtualization abstracts specific storage hardware by presenting a pool of storage media to the host system as one unit, avoiding direct addressing of individual devices. As a result, storage hardware can be changed internally and flexibly without negatively affecting usage.

Network Virtualization

Network virtualization creates logical network units that can be used independently of the underlying hardware implementation. A familiar example is Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which have long been established in business environments.

The most popular variant is certainly server virtualization. In general, however, virtualization can be understood as an abstraction concept. Which IT components are addressed (servers, network, or storage) is secondary.

It is also worth noting that virtualization is a key prerequisite for cloud computing concepts.

What benefits does this create for your company?

Virtualization primarily delivers efficiency gains and, when applied correctly, significant cost savings.

The core idea is to increase actual utilization of hardware infrastructure, which in many cases currently uses only a small share of its real potential, or to distribute load more effectively. For example, average server utilization is often around 20%, while energy consumption does not decrease proportionally. This leaves idle capacity consuming unnecessary energy.

Virtualization also reduces administrative effort because several logical systems can run on one physical platform and therefore be managed and maintained more efficiently.

Finally, virtualization increases flexibility. For example, integrating a new software development environment typically does not require new hardware investments.

Learn more about virtualization and your specific options by contacting us. We look forward to your inquiry.