Virtualization

What is virtualization?

Frequently when we discuss new solutions with customers, we are asked about virtualization.  Usually it comes down to "what is virtualization?" and "should we virtualize?"

Before discussing benefits, such as reducing costs, it helps to have a framework of understanding.  Virtualization is actually rather simple, but with profound consequences.

In the simplest terms, virtualization separates the operating system (OS) from the hardware.  Really that's it.  Now, virtualization products have features to manage the virtual systems because of this separation, but the fundamental concept is that simple.

Right now you are using hardware and software (including an OS) to view this webpage.  Traditionally hardware and software go hand-in-hand and do not operate independently.  Your processor, hard drive, etc. would just sit there without an application to tell it what to do.  The application cannot talk to the hardware without an OS to OPERATE the hardware.  Similarly software on a CD is not useful until it is accessed by hardware.

In the Windows world, communications between the hardware and OS happen in the Hardware Abstraction Layer with drivers.  Drivers as in printer drivers, video card drivers, and the like.  Basically, drivers tell the OS what the hardware can and can't do.

Virtualization introduces the concept of hosts and guests.  Hosts are the hardware and virtualization engine running on that hardware.  Guests are the virtual OS installations running on the host.  The host hides all details of the hardware and presents the guest with a very basic set of drivers.  Further the guest is actually stored as a FILE by the host.  Anytime the guest requests a hardware resource, such as processor time or memory space, the virtualization engine intercepts that request, allocates hardware to complete the operation, and presents the results to the guest.  With this flexibility, the host system can have multiple guests on the same hardware, all sharing resources without knowledge of each other.

What are the benefits of virtualization?

Because virtual systems are essentially files, a whole world of possibilities open up.  You can mix high and low use guests on a host to maximize powerful hardware.  Virtual servers can be moved from one host to a compatible host.  You can "snap-shot" an entire server and easily recover from a disaster.

The benefits to your business vary depending on the product chosen and how it is utilized.  In general virtualization can:

• Reduce hardware costs - since host resources are shared among guests, you can boost the utilization of hardware resources.
• Reduce software costs - virtual servers can expand and contract as needed.  Also since a server is no longer tied to hardware, it can become portable in case of hardware failure.  One database server can replace many.  One email server can hold all your mail.
• Reduce administration - less hardware means less power, less cooling, and less maintenance.
• Protect against any hardware failure - guests can move between compatible hosts, even while operational in some cases.
• Improve disaster recovery stance - the portability of virtual servers naturally extend any DR plan and open whole new ones.

Should we virtualize?

It depends.  There are two general approaches to virtualization - to save money or to gain additional benefits.

Virtualization to save money implies your company has enough physical servers to consolidate and realize savings.  For example, replacing aging servers with fewer, more powerful servers to reduce hardware costs.

Virtualization to gain benefits implies the inherent portability of virtual servers is a value-add and worth the expense.  For example, a hardware failure of your email system would cost too much in lost productivity and the solution is automatic fail-over between hosts.  Depending on your environment, adding those features may or may not come with cost saving through consolidation and maximizing hardware resources.

It is true - virtualization does not always save money.  However, if you view virtualization in the right way, you can feel confident to present your business case for or against and better align technology to your business needs.

Why Blade?

Over the last 10 years, Blade Technologies has been a leader in delivering IT Solutions to small and medium businesses in the St. Louis area.  We are well-versed in virtual solutions including Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware.  We are also continually researching new technologies and approaches as part of our commitment to providing expert virtualization consulting to our clients.