What is Server Virtualization? – Understanding The Basics

Experts in New Jersey talk about what is server virtualization and how it can improve small businesses

The concept of server virtualization was introduced about two decades ago. New aspects in server virtualization have evolved ever since. Server virtualization is crucial for the efficient and seamless working of any data center. This article provides comprehensive information about the basics of server virtualization.

Introduction To Server Virtualization

• The process in which a physical server is divided into multiple isolated and distinct servers by using a software application is called server virtualization. Each one of these multiple servers is capable of running its operating system independently.

Importance Of Server Virtualization

• Server virtualization is a cost-efficient way to make use of existing resources in IT infrastructure. It is also an effective way to provide web hosting services. Without server virtualization, servers sit idle and only a small part of their processing power is used.

This is because the workload is distributed to only a part of the network’s servers. This causes a waste of resources and power. Moreover, server virtualization increases the working efficiency of the organization by increasing the utilization of resources.

Components Of Server Virtualization

Server virtualization utilizes several different components based on its approaches:

Host Machine

• The first component of server virtualization is the host machine which acts as the physical server hardware. This is where virtualization occurs.

Virtual machines (VMs)

• Also known as guest machines, VMs contain the assets that have been isolated from the traditional server environment.

Hypervisor

• Server virtualization also contains a specialized software called a hypervisor. It is responsible for creating and maintaining virtual machines.

Hypercalls

• The term hypercalls refers to the messages sent between para-virtualized hypervisors and operating systems. As a result, resources are shared using API.

Containers

• Virtualized operating systems also create unique user environments that are known as containers. Multiple containers can use the same interfaces and shared libraries of the host’s operating system with a container engine.

To provide a discreet layer of isolation from the server’s core host operating system containers are usually placed inside hypervisors or virtual machines.

Approaches To Server Virtualization

• The main goal of all the server virtualization technologies is to optimize the availability of physical servers by making resources to be provisioned with more dexterity. The needs and limitations of the organization looking to virtualize its software determine the specific approach of server virtualization.

Full Virtualization

• This approach supports a hypervisor to generate and maintain completely independent virtual machines. These VMs do not require modification to work with different operating systems.

Although a software-assisted approach can be used for this purpose, hardware-assisted full virtualization became a more dominant approach in the mid-2000s.

Para-Virtualization

• Para-virtualization works on an application programming interface (API) that sends hypercalls between the hypervisor and operating systems. This enables each virtual machine to communicate and share resources.

Paravirtualization can run on system designs that lack hardware-assisted virtualization support. In most cases the products that permit full virtualization also enable paravirtualization.

OS-Level Virtualization

• OS-level virtualization can take place without a hypervisor. In OS-level virtualization, the physical server contains a virtualization capability that can create multiple user environments or containers by acting as a hypervisor.

Benefits Of Server Virtualization

When it comes to an organization’s innovation and efficiency server virtualization provides several benefits. These include:

Reduction In Operating Costs

• Virtualized software consumes less energy than traditional infrastructure. This is because they require less physical footprint.

Faster Deployment Of Workloads

• With server virtualization workloads are deployed faster. VMs are set up more quickly by IT administrators than in traditional environments. This makes both the servers and the admin teams more efficient and productive.

Disaster Recovery And Resilience

• Server virtualization enables easier backup and replication of data to other VMs. So when the disaster strikes, VMs can restore lost data without any delays or downtimes.

If you want to improve your business efficiency, Out Source My IT has the expertise to virtualize your servers. Give us a call at 973-638-2722. We have an experienced team of IT specialists working at our firm in New Jersey.