Server Virtualization
Server Virtualization involves inserting a thin
layer of software, called a hypervisor, between an operating system and the
server hardware it runs on. Doing this provides two important benefits;
encapsulation and isolation. Encapsulation is important because the entire
operating system instance and its applications that used to reside on a system
drive are now contained in a file. This file may be moved from physical server
to server without the operating system being aware this is happening. Isolation
is important because it allows many instances of an operating system to run on a
single hardware server, each thinking it has exclusive access to and control
over the server.
Storage Virtualization
In simplest terms, moving from direct attached
storage to centralized storage on a Storage Area Network (SAN) can be considered
storage virtualization. In more complex solutions, storage virtualization
involves creating and managing pools of storage comprised of differing
performance levels of devices such as 15K RPM drives, 7.2K RPM drives, tape
drives, etc which appear as a single storage device to the end user. Storage
virtualization allows storage administrators to more quickly and easily perform
typically time-consuming tasks, such as system backup, archiving, and recovery,
from a central console.
Network Virtualization
You may be familiar with the concept of
Virtual Local Area Networks or VLANs. VLANs are an example of network
virtualization. Before VLANs, separate physical network switches were required
where isolation of network traffic was needed. A single network switch can
manage multiple isolated traffic streams using VLAN technology. In addition to
VLANs, virtual network switches are a new technology used with server
virtualization to provide management of and access for network traffic between
virtual servers and the underlying physical host network adapters.
Presentation Virtualization
Presentation Virtualization is used when
applications running in a secure datacenter server environment are delivered to
end users with technologies like Microsoft Terminal Services or Citrix MetaFrame
and Presentation Server. The client terminal, or PC, is just a display device
for the remote application that also provides input to the remote application
from the users keyboard and mouse.
Application Virtualization
Application Virtualization applications
are still hosted in a secure datacenter environment but the applications are
downloaded to and run on the client PC when the user accesses them. This
technology provides centralized control over the applications such as policies
for who can run the application and when as well as simplified management since
there is a single image to maintain.
Desktop Virtualization
Desktop Virtualization moves desktop images
from the desktop hardware to a central server farm allowing for central
management and easy user provisioning and maintenance. Desktop Virtualization
allows remote user access since their virtualized desktops are stored on a
central server farm instead of on their local computer hard drives.
Contact
Allin Consulting
Phone: (781) 213-6917