Virtualization
Virtualization is a technology that allows you to create multiple simulated environments or dedicated resources from a single, physical hardware system. In simple terms, it enables one physical machine to run multiple operating systems or applications independently from one another. This is achieved by using software called a hypervisor (such as VMware, Hyper-V, or KVM), which abstracts the hardware resources and allocates them to virtual machines (VMs) or containers.
Key Concepts in Virtualization:
• Hypervisor: The layer of software that sits between the hardware and the virtual machines. It manages the creation, execution, and resource allocation of VMs.
• Virtual Machine (VM): A software-based emulation of a physical computer. Each VM runs its own operating system and applications, independent of other VMs.
• Containers: A lightweight form of virtualization that allows applications to run in isolated environments with shared resources.Benefits of Virtualization:
• Resource Efficiency: Multiple VMs can run on a single physical server, maximizing the use of hardware resources.
• Cost Savings: By consolidating workloads onto fewer physical servers, organizations can reduce hardware and operational costs.
• Flexibility: Virtualization allows for easy creation, modification, and deletion of VMs, supporting rapid deployment and scalability.
• Isolation: Each VM is isolated from others, enhancing security and stability.