5 types of virtualization defined

Posted on Friday July 27, 2018

For many businesses, managing and maintaining their entire hardware and software infrastructure can be a daunting and prohibitively expensive task. But with virtualization, this is no longer an issue. Virtualization allows businesses to maximize the use of their IT resources at a reduced cost -- this is why it has become so popular in the past few years. While there are many different types of virtualization on the market, it's best to choose the one that fits your needs. Here, we give you an overview of five virtualization methods and how they can prove useful for your business.

Application virtualization

This is a process where applications are virtualized and delivered from a server to the end user's device, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets. So instead of logging into their computers at work, users will be able to gain access to the application right from their device, provided an Internet connection is available. This is particularly popular for businesses that require the use of their applications on the go.

Desktop virtualization

Similar to application virtualization mentioned above, desktop virtualization separates the desktop environment from the physical device and configured as a “virtual desktop infrastructure” (VDI). One of the biggest advantages of desktop virtualization is that users are able to access all their personal files and applications on any PC, meaning they can work from anywhere without the need to bring their work computer. It also lowers the cost of software licensing and updates. Maintenance and patch management are simple, since all of the virtual desktops are hosted at the same location.

Hardware virtualization

Perhaps the most common type of virtualization today, hardware virtualization is made possible by a virtual machine manager (VM) called the “hypervisor”. The hypervisor creates virtual versions of computers and operating systems and consolidates them into one large physical server, so that all the hardware resources can be utilized more efficiently. It also enables users to run different operating systems on the same machine simultaneously.

Network virtualization

Network virtualization combines all physical networking equipment into a single, software-based resource. It also divides available bandwidth into multiple, independent channels, each of which can be assigned to servers and devices in real time. Businesses that would benefit from network virtualization are ones that have a large number of users and need to keep their systems up and running at all times. With the distributed channels, your network speed will increase dramatically, allowing you to deliver services and applications faster than ever before.

Storage virtualization

This type of virtualization is very easy and cost-effective to implement, since it involves compiling your physical hard drives into a single cluster. Storage virtualization is handy when it comes to planning for disaster recovery, since the data stored on your virtual storage can be replicated and transferred to another location. By consolidating your storage into a centralized system, you can eliminate the hassles and costs of managing multiple storage devices.

Integrating virtualization into your business can be a complex and confusing process. Ideally you should enlist the help of experts to get the job done right. If you're looking for top-quality and reliable virtualization solutions, why not get in touch with our professionals today? We'll make your virtualization experience a quick and seamless one.