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Server virtualization: what it is, what it's used for, and its advantages
Server virtualization is a process of dividing a physical server into multiple unique and isolated virtual servers using software.
Thus, each virtual server can run its own operating systems independently.
Read this article to the end and discover everything about the topic: what it is, how it works, its advantages, and the different types of server virtualization. Check it out!
By using software specifically designed for virtualization, an administrator can convert a physical server into multiple virtual machines. From there, each virtual server – in the cloud – acts as a single physical device , capable of running its own operating system.
Server virtualization is a way to integrate and run services, software, and operating systems in a single online space: the cloud .
We can also define server virtualization as a way to integrate and run services, software, and operating systems in a single online space : the cloud.
In other words, cloud computing is nothing more than using multiple virtual servers to form distributed networks of services. Today, it's almost impossible to perform any action on the internet without these virtualized servers , which synchronize information from various devices.
For end users, virtualized software functions exactly like native software installed on a physical machine. However, in this case, access is via a browser or a plugin, depending on the technology used.
Typically, corporate data centers consist of a collection of many servers, without clear and precise integration between them.
In most cases, they remain idle because the client, when contracting the server, expects to handle a sudden increase in traffic. But what usually happens is this: you demand a workload well below what was contracted.
This results in wasted resources such as hardware, energy, maintenance, and cooling requirements . In this case, the best alternative is server virtualization . This is a way to divide the resources of a physical server into several virtual partitions.
Here we will describe the 4 parts of how virtualization works:
- Physical server : It is a physical machine composed of a CPU, memory, disks, network connections, and SAN connections;
- Hypervisor : A software called a Hypervisor is installed on the server, capable of dividing the hardware into smaller parts, acting as a bridge between the physical server and the virtual machines. The Hypervisor's role is to mediate the installation of operating systems and to subdivide the system into parts that can be configured independently;
- Virtual machines : each of these divided parts is like a "slice" of the hardware. These parts are stored in files within the Hypervisor's operating system;
- Hypervisor installation on virtual machines : a different operating system can be installed on each machine, according to need.
Server virtualization offers greater efficiency in resource utilization if everything is properly configured. After all, this work can be adjusted according to the desired requirements . The user can modify RAM, disk space, and other resources.
All of this requires a much smaller amount of hardware compared to the equivalent number of physical machines that organizations needed years ago.
When analyzing this process and its possibilities, it's important to highlight that there are 3 types of server virtualization :
Full virtualization
Full virtualization is what we've seen so far. It uses a hypervisor, which monitors the resources of the physical server and keeps each virtual server independent and unaware of the others.
Paravirtualization
Unlike full virtualization, paravirtualization involves the entire network working together as a cohesive unit.
Since each operating system on the virtual servers is aware of the others in this model, the Hypervisor does not need to rely as much on processing power to manage the operating systems.
Operating system-level virtualization
Unlike full and paravirtualization, operating system-level virtualization does not use a hypervisor. Instead, the virtualization feature, which is part of the physical server's operating system, performs all tasks.
However, all virtual servers must run the same operating system in this server virtualization method.
Benefits of server virtualization:
- Greater workload mobility;
- Greater performance and resource availability;
- Automated operations;
- The simplest IT area to manage and operate.
Greater workload mobility, improved performance and resource availability, automated operations, and a simpler IT area to manage and operate. These are some of the benefits of virtualization that make the process so important today .
Ultimately, the main goal is to manage and allocate resources efficiently. This should be done in a way that does not compromise your security, governance, and compliance policies.
Now let's look at the details of the list of the top 10 advantages that make this process so relevant for companies.
1. More secure systems
Virtual machines operate independently, isolated from each other, including from the host location. Therefore, there are different types of security and operating systems for each service individually.
2. Reduced costs
Anyone who thinks that working with virtualization and more modern systems requires exorbitant spending is mistaken. Very little is spent on hardware, computers, and other devices.
3. Energy saving
With virtualized systems, it's also possible to save significantly on electricity. This is due to reduced hardware usage: fewer machines running means less electricity consumed .
4. Saving physical space
With fewer machines and devices, there is a considerable reduction in the use of physical space in companies. Furthermore, it is no longer necessary to have rooms with specific temperatures, which represents another type of cost saving.
5. Fewer idle or inactive hardware devices
With virtualization, there is no idle hardware. Resources are allocated more efficiently among virtual machines.
Monitoring this process, along with a robust backup and recovery solution, will ensure that you maintain the integrity of your data and minimize any downtime.
6. Test environment
Before implementing an application, it's possible to test it in a virtual software environment, significantly reducing the risk of procedural errors of this type. Having these environments is fundamental nowadays, guaranteeing an even higher level of security for applications.
Furthermore, it is easier to test the new system and software using virtualization, as it does not require any additional hardware and the testing can be done quickly.
7. Ease of environment migration
With server virtualization, you can avoid all the work of reinstalling and configuring systems.
It provides the user with the flexibility to modify everything according to the necessary migrations. The modification can be done in minutes and can be easily adjusted when the workload changes.
8. Data security
All data relating to intellectual property is kept secure within the company's database. Since it is stored in multiple different locations, if a disaster occurs, the data can be easily recovered .
Want to learn more about data security? Check out episode #5 of Sky.Cast! In this episode, we chat about cybersecurity and the LGPD (Brazilian General Data Protection Law)!
Data security and LGPD (Brazilian General Data Protection Law)
9. Simplified Server Deployment
Working with virtual machine deployment is very simple. There's no need to purchase new hardware, since what's being implemented is a virtual server. There's also no need to adapt the environment to receive electricity or to have more space for a database.
This becomes a significant benefit for IT teams as well, who no longer need to replace hardware and remove malware from machines.
Using virtualization allows your team to simply deploy a new feature without having to struggle with repairs and recoveries , which can waste valuable time. Now they can spend their time on projects that are more critical to the business.
10. Multiple Operating Systems on a single platform
With virtualization, multiple operating systems can work together on a single server.
Considering all these advantages, we can highlight that, when opting for virtualization, security, cost savings, and physical space savings are what can truly make a difference in a company.
As we have seen, reduced cost is among the main advantages of server virtualization. This reduction can reach up to 40% of the traditional operational cost with the data center model .
But speaking of concrete values, how much does virtualization cost? There are two paths to follow:
Costs associated with a private cloud
To set up a private infrastructure that allows for virtualization, even if it is cheaper than the traditional model, requires the acquisition of certain elements for its operation.
In addition to equipment such as the server itself, switch, and storage, it is necessary to acquire the hypervisor and also install the operating system on the server. This entire package also needs a device management solution.
Costs associated with cloud service providers
This is the most economical model , since payment is made according to workloads , that is, based on consumption or even a fixed monthly fee for the cloud service.
This is the benefit of using solutions based on Oracle Cloud, AWS (Amazon Web Services), or Google Cloud , for example. Here, the cost is measured per hour or per number of users. In general, this investment can vary, starting from R$ 500 or R$ 1000 for companies with fewer users.
Although server virtualization is extremely beneficial for your business, its implementation must be done carefully. Moving your server to the cloud haphazardly can lead to losses, such as data loss and the possibility of errors in applications that previously ran on-premise.
Professional virtualization is the best choice; after all, your company doesn't need to deal with a specific service and has the guarantee that everything will go as expected . Choosing the right solution to perform this task is essential for effective use of the cloud.
If we're talking about server virtualization, where a large volume of application information and data will be migrated, it's ideal to have a reliable partner to manage this network. Beyond the virtualization itself, you need to ensure a 100% functional environment.
Another crucial factor in choosing a solution for your server virtualization is security. When migrating to the cloud, the chosen tool needs to have robust mechanisms to combat security vulnerabilities . Ideally, it should utilize the protocols of the main public cloud servers and have a monitoring team ready to act immediately in case of any problems.
If you're planning to virtualize your business servers, Auto.Sky is a great tool to choose from! Our solution delivers a complete cloud-based solution that includes:
- Cost reduction
You eliminate various expenses, such as those related to idle servers, machinery, maintenance, energy, physical space, and IT staff. This reduction can reach up to 40% of your operational costs!
- Business continuity
In the cloud, your company operates continuously, without wasting time! You have availability that allows your employees to work from anywhere, at any time, as well as scalability that allows your storage space to be increased whenever your demands grow.
- Data security
With server virtualization, your data is even more protected, being stored in the world's largest data centers and extensively monitored by our team , which is prepared to correct and prevent errors.
Furthermore, by using cloud computing through Auto.Sky, you also benefit from the following:
- Predictability of expenses , after all, you pay for what you use, and you can modify the size of your cloud according to your current demand;
- Multi-cloud integration with the world's leading cloud providers, allowing you to combine services such as AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Oracle;
- security protocols , including security backup, user authentication, firewall, data encryption, etc.
Now that you know the various benefits of server virtualization and the advantages of using Auto.Sky, how about getting ready to fully embrace the cloud? Visit our website and speak with a specialist .
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