Virtualization and cloud computing often seems interchangeable. Although these technologies are similar, they are not the same, and understanding the difference between the two is important for your business decisions.
Simply put, virtualization is a technology that transforms physical hardware into virtual resources, while the cloud is an environment that provides those virtualized resources via the Internet. Cloud computing uses virtualization technology to provide services that allow end-users to access virtualized servers, applications, etc., without having to purchase that hardware.
Virtualization is a key element of the cloud computing concept because it is the only way to build a truly efficient cloud that offers an affordable cost of ownership, efficient resource management, and a service level guarantee.
Let’s take a closer look at the core difference between cloud and virtualization and the role of virtualization.
What is virtualization?
Virtualization is the fundamental technology powering cloud computing. It separates computing environments from the physical infrastructure, thereby enabling multiple operating systems and applications to run simultaneously on a single machine. That is how virtualization works.
A program designed to manage the physical resources of a computing machine and distribute those resources among several different operating systems, allowing them to run simultaneously is called a hypervisor. It creates multiple copies of a single physical computer's hardware resources, each visible to the user as a separate device. A guest user operating system can be installed on each virtual machine, not tied to the host hardware.
The hypervisor isolates the running operating systems from each other so that each of them utilizes the resources allocated to it alone. However, if necessary, the hypervisor also allows virtual machine OS to interact with each other.
Virtualization technology helps companies apply a cloud-based service delivery model to their on-premises infrastructure for improved internal workflows, security, and performance. Companies can also virtualize their infrastructure, software, or platforms to deliver a range of services to end-users.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud Computing is usually defined as a set of hardware resources or IT services provided to users on-demand from a global or local network. As mentioned above, clouds are environments that abstract, aggregate, and share virtual resources over a network. Cloud computing is a model that aims to run workloads in that environment.
Virtualization in cloud computing replaces physical servers, networks, and applications with computer-generated versions hosted and managed by a service provider.
There are three main types of cloud services:
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) – involves providing the customer with computing resources for rent in the form of a virtual infrastructure. It may include servers, storage systems, virtual routers, and switches. This IT infrastructure is a full-fledged copy of the physical environment.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) – means that the customer receives a full-fledged virtual platform, which includes various tools and services. The customers can configure this platform to their needs, making it a site for software testing or a system for automating the management system. This type of service is especially popular with developers.
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) – software delivery model allowing customers to receive software products through the Internet and on a subscription basis. Customers get an opportunity to use the product without having to spend time on software installation and training. For example, the mail service Gmail, or the 1C cloud version.
How to choose between virtualization and cloud computing
Understanding the difference between public, private, and hybrid cloud solutions is essential to finding the right choice for your needs. A private cloud is a virtual environment that the owners use for their needs. It offers more control and flexibility in managing the systems while providing the benefits of cloud computing.
With this model, the customer owns or leases hardware and software and pays for resources as they are consumed. The public cloud, on the other hand, is an environment, designed to serve multi-tenant needs. There are some risks here, such as having bad neighbors and potential performance latency.
With virtualization, companies can maintain and protect their own IT assets. There are several advantages to this. First, you can reduce the number of physical systems to purchase. It also allows for maximum utilization of your servers because you can run multiple systems and applications on the same hardware.
Determining whether virtualization is the best solution for a business requires an in-depth analysis of an organization's specific needs. Costs, the amount of management the business is willing to take on, scalability, and security requirements, should also be considered.
If your business is small and you are looking to reduce computing resources and maintenance costs, first conduct an audit of the on-site physical equipment. Find out whether your server resources are fully utilized and if there is anything you can do to optimize it.
Enterprises with an OPEX model that have less IT staff and no security requirements are more cloud-oriented. Enterprises that need more control and high security are tending toward virtualization.
