The Pros And Cons Of Virtualization

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Define and describe virtualization.

Virtualization is a technology that creates an abstract version of a complete operating environment including a processor, memory, storage, network links, and a display entirely in software. Because the resulting runtime environment is completely software based, the software produces what’s called a virtual computer or a virtual machine (M.O., 2012). To simplify, virtualization is the process of running multiple virtual machines on a single physical machine. The virtual machines share the resources of one physical computer, and each virtual machine is its own environment.

Why is virtualization a technology used by businesses?

Virtualization allows IT intensive companies to run with fewer resources while …show more content…

Virtualizing your server lets you run different Operating Systems, such as Windows and Linux, in different virtual servers on the same physical server. Once you have one virtual server configured, you can use that same configuration to set up new virtual servers, which takes just a few minutes. Compared to the hours it takes to configure a new physical server, server virtualization is far more efficient (Marshall, 2011).
Disaster recovery is a useful feature of virtualization. Snapshots of your server can be taken regularly and as often as you prefer. Then, you can use any one of those snapshots to return your server to a particular configuration from a particular point in time. For example, before your network was infected by a virus.
With a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, you only have to deal with the server on your network. So, when you want to install a new program, you install it just once on the server. All of your users then access the application through their clients. This saves time and money that would be put toward installing new software on many individual computers (Marshall, …show more content…

Business ventures can benefit from virtual firewalls to protect access and data at lower costs than traditional methods. It is also beneficial to have an experienced security professional who is aware of your security needs. Virtual security involves the use of advanced controls such as a virtual switch to protect against malicious attacks coming from unverified sources. Applications are isolated to make them untouchable by malware, viruses and even applications that may stop execution (Marshall, 2011).
Firewall features are provided at the base of network virtualization platforms to bring about segmentation. It allows automated provisioning and context sharing across virtual platforms which lead to increased visibility and security across applications on virtual or physical workloads. This would have been impossible in the past as it would compromise either security or performance. Improved security through virtualization helps you gain mileage over challenges that would otherwise ruin your reputation among clients (Kotsovinos,

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