Server virtualization divides a single physical server into multiple virtual ones, each running its own operating system and applications. This means different operating systems and applications can run on a single physical server because it has been divided. Put simply, it’s a physical server split into virtual parts.
With server virtualization, a single physical server can host lots of virtual servers (also known as virtual machines or VMs), making better use of the server’s resources. This reduces complexity and enables your business to optimize resource usage further and quickly adapt to changing workload demands.
This technology helps you use your hardware more efficiently, boosts flexibility, and cuts costs. And it helps maximize computing, storage, and networking resources across the entire IT infrastructure.
Server Virtualization, Made Simple
Imagine you’ve got one powerful machine, but instead of using all its potential, it’s only handling one task at a time.
Now, what if you could split that machine into dozens of smaller, independent machines, each running its own tasks without interfering with the others? That’s exactly what server virtualization does. Each virtual server operates on its own, without having to interact with the others, and maximizes the use of a single physical server.
What’s the State of Today’s Server Virtualization Market?
The server virtualization market encompasses a wide range of technology solutions that abstract any underlying infrastructure layer, such as computing, storage, and networking.
Right now, the server virtualization market is seeing major disruptions. Broadcom’s recent changes to VMware, a key player in the space, have sparked many businesses to explore new options.
As businesses assess their infrastructure, they’re discovering a growing range of options, from hardware-based virtualization to cloud platforms. This shift is bringing more competition to the market, which means greater choice.
Even with all these changes, most enterprises still rely on hypervisor-based virtualization to support older, on-premises workloads. As new technologies evolve, businesses will need to choose carefully to find the best fit for their needs.
How Does Server Virtualization Work? The Key Components Explained
Hypervisor
The hypervisor is the software that enables server virtualization. Its purpose is to create and manage virtual machines, and allocate hardware resources like CPU, memory, storage, and networking for each VM.
Virtual Machines (VMs)
Virtual machines act like virtual computers. Each VM runs its own operating system and applications, even though they’re all sharing the same physical server. The hypervisor manages the connection between the VMs and the server’s hardware.
Resource Allocation
The hypervisor assigns hardware resources to each VM. If one VM needs more CPU power and another needs more memory, the hypervisor adjusts the resources accordingly to meet each VM’s needs.
Isolation
Virtual machines are kept separate from one another. If one VM crashes or experiences issues, it doesn’t affect the others. The hypervisor ensures each VM stays independent and secure.
Hardware Utilization
Server virtualization maximizes the use of hardware. By running multiple operating systems and applications on a single physical server, businesses can reduce the need for extra hardware and use their resources more efficiently.
The Types of Server Virtualization
Full Virtualization
Full virtualization is the most common type of server virtualization. In this type, a hypervisor works directly with the physical server, managing its resources (like CPU, memory, and storage) and distributing them to each VM as needed. Each VM runs its own operating system (OS) and operates independently, completely isolated from the others.
Para-Virtualization
Para-virtualization is similar to full virtualization, but with one key difference: the virtual machines are aware of each other. They know how much of the server’s resources (like CPU and memory) each one is using. This awareness allows the VMs to work together more efficiently.
OS-Level Virtualization
In OS-level virtualization, the virtualization happens within the server’s operating system instead of through a hypervisor. All the VMs must use the same OS as the physical server. While they run separately from one another, this method is more limited since they all share the same operating environment.
5 Key Benefits of Server Virtualization
Cost Savings
Running several virtual servers on fewer physical machines cuts hardware, electricity, cooling, and space costs. This is because virtualization makes better use of hardware, reducing the need for extra physical servers.
Scalability
You can quickly add or remove virtual machines, adjust resources, and deploy new servers as business demands shift, staying prepared for any situation.
Backup
Backup, replication, and restoration are straightforward with virtualized servers. There’s no hassle of managing hardware. Additionally, you can move VMs between servers with minimal downtime, ensuring business continuity.
Management
The virtualized environment is easier to manage and more centralized than a physical one. Administrators can monitor performance, automate tasks, and launch VMs faster, reducing admin tasks and boosting efficiency.
Efficiency
Virtualization enables CPU, memory, storage, and network resources for VMs based on demand. This approach prevents waste and allows for easy scaling to meet changing needs.
Achieve Greater Flexibility with Server Virtualization
The biggest benefit of server virtualization is that it eliminates complexities in the IT infrastructure, by reducing the amount of hardware needed to run applications. For example, traditional data storage models use separate servers for individual applications, while storage virtualization allows those applications to run on one or a significantly smaller number of servers. Learn more about this concept in ‘Virtualized Storage – A Beginner’s Guide’.
