Software Virtualization – How it Works, Types, Advantages

Welcome to the 2nd type of Virtualization in Cloud Computing, Software Virtualization. The software virtualizations are basically used to emulate a complete computer system and it further allows the operating system to run.

Some of the examples are VMware software, Virtual Box etc. Like, Hardware Virtualization, here we will discuss advantages, working and types of software virtualization.

What is Software Virtualization?

Software Visualization in Cloud Computing allows the single computer server to run one or more virtual environments. It is quite similar to virtualizations but here it abstracts the software installation procedure and creates a virtual software out of it.

In software virtualizations, an application will be installed which will perform the further task. One software is physical while others are virtual as it allows 2 or more operating system using only one computer.

Benefits of Software Virtualization

Here, is the list of Software Virtualization Advantages in Cloud Computing :

• Testing

It is easier to test the new operating system and software on VMs as it does not require any additional hardware and the testing can do within the same software. After the testing, the VM can move or delete for the further testing.

• Utilization

In software virtualization, there is higher efficiency in resource utilization if it tunes correctly. The VM can modify as per the requirement such as the user can modify ram, drive space, etc. It requires very less amount of hardware as compared to the equivalent number of physical machines.

• Efficient

It is efficient in a way such that it can run 12 virtual machines and eliminates the use of 12 physical boxes. This is the power cost as well as the cost of maintaining the server.

• Less Downtime

The software is upgrading and the upgrade in the VMs can do when the VM is working. VM can modify when it is working or it is not working which means that the downtime of it is very less.

• Flexible

It provides flexibility to the user so that the user can modify the software as per their demand. The modification can do within minutes and can adjust easily when the workload changes.

• Secure

It can protect with many hantaviruses. Moreover, there are several firewalls which prevent hacking and virus. The data in the software virtualization is safe as it stores in several different places so if the disaster takes place the data can retrieve easily.

How Software Virtualization in Cloud Computing Works?

In this session, we are going to explore the working of Software Virtualization:

Software Virtualization Working

i. Backup

With the help of software virtualization, the entire operating system or server installation can be backed up. This also benefits in a way that if the new server hack just restoring the previous version will allow running the server.

ii. Run multiple operating systems

The different operating system can use in a single computer with the partition in the hard drive. The only thing to keep in mind is to keep a snapshot of everything. If the data drowns, it can retrieve from some other place.

iii. Running a different version of applications

With the help of software virtualization new as well as the old operating system can use. So a program, if it is not working on a particular operating system, we can check it on another one.

iv. Templates

After the configuration of VM as per the demand, it can convert into a template and this template can use to make multiple copies of the original one.

Types of Software Virtualization

• Operating System Virtualization
• Application Virtualization
• Service Virtualization

i. Operating System Virtualization

In operating system virtualization, the hardware is used which consists of software on which different operating systems work. Here, the operating system does not interfere with each other so that each one of them works efficiently.

ii. Application Virtualization

Application virtualization is a technology, encapsulates the computer program within the operating system. It can say that application virtualizations refer to running an application on a thin client.

This thin client runs an environment, which is different from what refer to as encapsulating from the operating system which is the location of it.

iii. Service Virtualization

In the service virtualization, the DevOps team can use the virtual servers rather than the physical one. It emulates the behaviour of essential components which will be present in the final production environment.

With the help of service virtualization, the complex application can go through testing much earlier in the development process. It can say that service visualization is a technique to simulate the behaviour of some components in a mixture of component-based applications

So, this was all about Software Virtualization. Hope you like our explanation.

Summary

With the help of Software virtualizations, it is easier to set new virtual servers which benefit both the customer and the host. It also eliminates the workload of management as it can do virtually. Moreover, it helps to measure and monitor the usage and saves time.

The decoupling process is done on the application from the operating system which is one of the benefits. So it can be concluded that software virtualization provides numerous amount of benefits and saves time as well as money.

Still, had a query? Feel free to approach us through comment box.