Virtualization has become a necessity in computing. This is the process that involves the creation of virtual versions rather than the actual versions. This is an area that covers computer network resources, storage devices, and virtual hardware platforms. The process kicked off in the 1960s and has only advanced since then. In fact, its meaning continues to broaden each day.
Hardware virtualization
Depending on where you come from, hardware virtualization may also be referred to as platform virtualization. This is a computing process that involves the creation of a machine virtually where it behaves like a real computer. This virtual machine even has an operating system. This means that the software that is executed on these platforms are specifically designed. To better understand the process of virtualization, an example would be very important. A computer running on Ubuntu Linux operating system can host a virtual machine that runs on Microsoft Windows and vice versa. In hardware virtualization, there are terms that users should familiarize with. There is the host machine and the guest machine. The actual machine, in this case, is referred to as the host machine while the virtual machine is the guest machine. These two terms are very crucial if you are to distinguish between the software that runs between the actual and virtual machine.
Categories of hardware virtualization
At the moment, hardware virtualization can be categorized into two areas. There is full virtualization and paravirtualization. To improve the overall process of virtualization especially on efficiency terms, a process referred to as hardware-assisted virtualization has to be implemented. It involves the use of capable CPUs and other hardware components geared towards improving the virtual storage console performance. For starters, the process of hardware virtualization is part of the overall trend that is currently being experienced in enterprise IT. This forms the basis of autonomic computing that allows the control of the IT environment depending on the ongoing activity. Utility computing is another area that is emerging in hardware virtualization. This allows you to buy computing power as needs arise. This means that you get to pay for a service that you need.
Importance of virtualization
If you still cannot understand the goals behind virtualization, understand that the main aim is to bring the administrative tasks at a central point. There is also the aim of improving hardware-resource utilization as well as improving scalability. Using a single central processing unit, it becomes possible to operate several programs concurrently. At the end of the day, this brings down the cost of running the events. It’s important to note that this is different from multitasking which from the basic understanding involves performing several tasks concurrently using the same operating system.
With virtualization, there are more benefits than the ones mentioned above. For instance, it becomes possible to manage software updates. Also, it’s possible to handle rapid changes, especially to the operating system. Hardware virtualization should not also be confused with hardware emulation. Emulation involves a piece of hardware imitating another hardware. Hardware virtualization has become an important aspect of the IT industry.