What is Virtualization in Information Technology

Are you looking to start a career in Information Technology? If you want to achieve industry recognized certifications, work with supportive instructors and get 135 hours of work experience, then attending Interactive College of Technology’s Information Technology program may be the right career path for you. During our Information Technology program, you will learn about many aspects of IT, from network security to cloud services and virtualization. These days, virtualization plays a large role in Information Technology. So, what is virtualization in information technology?

What is Virtualization in Information Technology?

Virtualization is software that takes the place of hardware. It makes computing independent of physical infrastructure by having several users working separately off of one server. This is different than cloud computing which delivers shared computing resources. According to IBM, virtualization creates an abstract layer over computer hardware or sits on top of an OS system. This allows organizations the ability to use less hardware for the same amount of users and applications. The hardware elements include but are not limited to the processor, memory, and storage. Each virtual computer runs its own operating system even as it shares a portion of its computer hardware. When it comes to Virtualization, there are some terms you should know:

Cloud Computing – an internet-based server used to share computing resources and data storage, giving users on-demand access. This enables a company to reduce costs and increase efficiency, because cloud computing can scale with business growth.

Processor – the central component of a computer that executes instructions for computer programs. The more cores a processor has the faster it can process instructions. The speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz).

Memory – the storage space in a computer that holds data for quick access. It can be divided into volatile and non-volatile memory. Volatile memory requires power to maintain stored information. RAM is a type of volatile memory that stores data and instructions frequently used by the computer. Non-volatile memory does not require power to maintain stored information. This includes permanent storage including a disk drive or flash memory.

Computer Storage – a medium used to store digital data, from software programs and user data to images and videos. Computer storage is either temporary or permanent. The most common types of computer storage are hard drives, solid state drives, and flash drives.

Operating System – a type of software that manages the hardware and software of a computer. It controls the input and output, schedules tasks, controls memory management, and performs other essential computer functions. The operating system manages computer resources and provides a platform for applications to run on.

Hypervisor – a software layer that coordinates virtual machines. It acts as an interface between the virtual machine and the physical hardware. The hypervisor ensures proper access to resources as needed.

What are the Different Types of Virtualization?

There are many different ways to use virtualization in information technology. They include:

Server Virtualization – enables multiple operating systems to run on a single server. Virtual servers eliminate server complexity, reduce operating costs, and provide longer server uptime.

Desktop Virtualization – allows one computer to manage multiple desktop operating systems.

Network Virtualization – uses software for a network administrator to manage the network form a single console.

Data Virtualization – integrates data from multiple applications and physical locations. This allows the data to be easily replicated or moved.

Storage Virtualization – enables all storage devices on the network to be accessed and managed as one single storage device. It creates a shared pool of storage that can be assigned to any virtual machine.

Application Virtualization – allows application software to run on a user’s operating system without installing it.

What are the Benefits of Virtualization in Information Technology?

There are many benefits to virtualization, from resource efficiency to faster provisioning, and everything in between. Virtualization is standard practice in enterprise IT architecture. The benefits of virtualization in information technology include:

Reduced Costs – virtualization can help reduce the costs of upfront hardware. Virtualization minimizes the number of servers needed. It can also grow with the organization’s needs.

Resource Efficiency –each application server no longer need its own dedicated physical computer. In the past an IT department would configure a separate server for each application. However, server virtualization allows several applications to run on a single computer.

Easier Management – virtual machines allow IT to create automated IT service management workflows. This means that software could be templated, yet not be error-prone from manual setup.

Minimal Downtime – since the IT team can run multiple redundant virtual machines, this minimizes downtime of a single operating system or application. The use of disaster recovery also helps eliminate downtime due to external malware.

Faster Provisioning – it can be time-consuming to install and configure a new server for each individual application. Using virtual machines allows all applications to run faster without additional install and configuring for each application.

Security – virtualization offers some security benefits. For example, if a virtual machine is infected with malware, it can be restored to a previous backup, before the computer was infected with the malware. This is not always true with standard computers as the malware may integrate into the core components and not be restored easily.

Final Thoughts

Did learning about virtualization in information technology interest you? If you are interested in learning more about the Information Technology Degree program at Interactive College of Technology, now is the time. We can set you on a path toward a rewarding and challenging career. So, get ready for an exciting journey.

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We’ll help you decide which path is right for you, but both information technology training programs include industry-recognized certifications employers are looking for from CompTIA and Microsoft.

Plus, after you graduate college, our Lifetime Career Placement Support program will be there to help you find work whenever you need it.

So, let’s take the first step together! Contact us now to learn more.

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