Virtualisation creates a virtual version of a physical computing environment, such as a server or desktop. It enables multiple operating systems and applications to run on a single physical machine, allowing for more efficient use of resources and reducing costs. 

Virtualisation technology has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its ability to improve efficiency, reduce hardware costs, and enhance flexibility. 

In this article, we will explore the concept of virtualisation and discuss virtual machines, one of the most common types of virtualisation.

What is Virtualization?

Virtualisation is a technology that allows a single physical machine to function as multiple virtual machines, each with its own operating system, applications, and resources. The virtualisation software creates a layer of abstraction between the hardware and the operating system, enabling the creation of multiple virtual machines on a single physical device. 

This allows running multiple operating systems and applications on a single physical machine, reducing hardware costs and improving resource utilisation.

Virtualisation technology has been around for decades, but it has become more prevalent in recent years due to the growth of cloud computing and the need for more efficient use of resources. Virtualisation is used in various applications, including data centres, desktop computing, and software development.

Types of Virtualization

Several types of virtualisation exist, including server virtualisation, desktop virtualisation, network virtualisation, and storage virtualisation.

• Server. Server virtualisation involves running multiple virtual machines on a single physical Server virtualisation is used in data centres to improve resource utilisation and reduce hardware costs. This is typically done using virtualisation software such as VMware, Hyper-V, or KVM.
• Desktop virtualisation involves creating virtual desktops that can be accessed remotely from a thin client or other device. This enables users to access their desktop environment from anywhere, using any device while providing centralised management and security.
• Network virtualisation involves creating virtual networks that operate independently of the physical network infrastructure. This enables organisations to create multiple virtual networks on a single physical network, improving security, scalability, and flexibility.
• Storage virtualisation involves creating virtual storage devices that operate independently of the physical infrastructure. This enables organisations to create virtual storage pools that can be allocated to virtual machines as needed, improving flexibility and reducing costs.

What is a Virtual Machine?

A virtual machine (VM) is a software-based emulation of a physical computer. It includes a virtual processor, memory, storage, and network interface created by the virtualisation software. Each virtual machine runs its operating system and applications independently of the other virtual machines on the same physical server.

Virtual machines are created using virtualisation software such as VMware, Hyper-V, or KVM. The virtualisation software creates a layer of abstraction between the hardware and the operating system, allowing multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server. Each virtual machine is isolated from the others, with its virtual resources, such as CPU, memory, and storage.

Benefits of Virtual Machines

Virtual machines provide several benefits over physical devices, including:

• Improved resource utilisation: Virtualization enables multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server, improving resource utilisation and reducing hardware costs.
• Increased flexibility: Virtual machines can be easily created, moved, and deleted, enabling organisations to quickly adapt to changing business needs.
• Improved security: Virtual machines are isolated from each other, reducing the risk of malware and other security threats.
• Simplified management: Virtual machines can be managed centrally using virtualisation software, making it easier to deploy, manage, and monitor multiple virtual machines.
• Disaster recovery: Virtual machines can be easily backed up and restored, enabling organisations to recover from system failures and other disasters quickly.

Uses of Virtual Machines

Virtual machines are used in a variety of applications, including:

• Server Consolidation: Virtual machines can consolidate multiple servers onto a single physical machine, improving resource utilisation and reducing hardware costs.
• Testing and Development: Virtual machines provide a sandbox environment for testing and development, enabling developers to quickly create and test applications without affecting the production environment.
• Cloud Computing: Virtual machines are used extensively in cloud computing, enabling organisations to quickly deploy and scale applications in a highly flexible and cost-effective manner.
• Education and Training: Virtual machines can provide a standardised environment for education and training, enabling students to learn and practice in a consistent and controlled environment.
• High Availability: Virtual machines can be configured for high availability, enabling organisations to recover from hardware failures and other disasters quickly.

Virtualisation and Virtual Machine: Future

The future of virtualisation and virtual machines is promising, with new advancements and innovations constantly emerging. Here are a few potential developments that we can expect to see in the coming years:

• Containerisation: Containerization is a lightweight form of virtualisation that allows multiple applications to run on the same operating system without needing an entire virtual machine. This technology is gaining popularity for its ability to provide fast, scalable application deployment and management.
• Serverless Computing: Serverless computing is a new paradigm that abstracts away the underlying infrastructure, allowing developers to focus on writing code without worrying about the underlying virtual machines or servers. This technology is becoming increasingly popular for its ability to provide fast, scalable, and cost-effective application development and deployment.
• Edge Computing: Edge computing involves running applications and services closer to the end user, reducing latency and improving performance. Virtualisation technology is being used to create virtual edge devices that can be deployed and distributed, enabling organisations to provide fast, low-latency services to users.
• AI and Machine Learning: Virtualization technology creates environments for AI and machine learning workloads, enabling organisations to experiment and iterate more quickly and efficiently. This technology also produces virtualised GPUs, allowing organisations to scale their AI and machine learning workloads without investing in expensive hardware.
• Quantum Computing: Virtualization technology creates virtualised quantum computers, enabling organisations to experiment and develop quantum algorithms without access to physical quantum hardware. This technology is still in its early stages but has the potential to revolutionise computing in the coming decades.

FAQs

What is virtualisation?

Virtualisation creates a virtual version of a physical computing environment, such as a server or desktop. It enables multiple operating systems and applications to run on a single physical machine, allowing for more efficient use of resources and reducing costs.

What are virtual machines?

A virtual machine (VM) is a software-based emulation of a physical computer. It includes a virtual processor, memory, storage, and network interface created by the virtualisation software. Each virtual machine runs its operating system and applications independently of the other virtual machines on the same physical server.

What are the benefits of virtual machines?

Virtual machines provide several benefits over physical machines, including improved resource utilisation, increased flexibility, improved security, simplified management, and disaster recovery.

What are the types of virtualisation?

Several types of virtualisation exist, including server virtualisation, desktop virtualisation, network virtualisation, and storage virtualisation.

What is server virtualisation?

Server virtualisation is used in data centres to improve resource utilisation and reduce hardware costs. Server virtualisation involves running multiple virtual machines on a single physical server. This is typically done using virtualisation software such as VMware, Hyper-V, or KVM.

What is desktop virtualisation?

Desktop virtualisation involves creating virtual desktops that can be accessed remotely from a thin client or other device. This enables users to access their desktop environment from anywhere, using any device while providing centralised management and security.

What is network virtualisation?

Network virtualisation involves creating virtual networks that operate independently of the physical network infrastructure. This enables organisations to create multiple virtual networks on a single physical network, improving security, scalability, and flexibility.

What is storage virtualisation?

Storage virtualisation involves creating virtual storage devices that operate independently of the physical infrastructure. This enables organisations to create virtual storage pools that can be allocated to virtual machines as needed, improving flexibility and reducing costs.