Virtualization Does Not Equal Cloud, But They Are Related
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The short answer is, “no,” Magnuszewski says, although virtualization does enable a cloud environment. To shed light on the subject, today we’re going to offer our perspective on what constitutes virtualization and how it relates to private cloud, public cloud and hybrid cloud technologies. (For information on the types of cloud computing, check out this previous post)
Virtualization Defined
Virtualization technology involves the abstraction of an operating system from the underlying hardware on which it runs. When applied to servers, the technology enables a single server to be divided into multiple virtual environments, known as virtual machines (VMs), each capable of running its own OS and applications. Among the benefits of server virtualization is it enables far better server utilization. Previously IT often ran only a single application on any given physical server. As such, the server was often under-utilized, with maybe 10% to 25% of its total processing power being consumed at any given time. The ability to run multiple VMs enables the same physical server to host many more applications, which boosts utilization.
Private Cloud Technology
A private cloud environment consists of a pool of resources dedicated to a single organization for its use. Typically those resources consist of a group of virtual servers, along with storage and network facilities. The infrastructure may be housed within the organization’s own data center or in that of a third-party hosting provider; the key to making it “private” is that only a single company has access to and control over the infrastructure. Crucial to making it a “cloud” environment is the flexibility that virtualization provides in terms of where resources exist and how they’re accessed and shared. In theory, all computing, storage and network resources are shared by whatever users and applications need them. If a business unit needs a new application, IT can spin it up wherever it has some spare server capacity and storage space. Using tools such as VMware vCloud Director, IT can also move workloads around the virtual infrastructure as needed.
The Public Cloud Option
Public cloud technology is much the same as private except that the entire infrastructure is owned and operated by a third party provider and the infrastructure is shared among multiple users. The providers seek to ensure that no customer can get at data and applications other than their own, but the fact remains that it is a shared or “multi-tenant” infrastructure. As such, public cloud may not be the best option for applications or data that require the highest level of security. On the other hand, it can be quite cost-effective for less-strategic applications and to augment existing infrastructure on an as-needed basis.
A second type of public cloud option is a Software-as-a-Service application. These are applications that a company uses and accesses that exist entirely on the infrastructure of the software provider. The most well-known example of this type of solution is Salesforce.com.
Putting it all Together: The Hybrid Cloud
In practice, Magnuszewski says most companies will likely wind up using a mix of private and public cloud resources, creating a hybrid cloud environment. Mission critical applications and highly sensitive data would live in the private cloud environment while less sensitive or critical applications run in the public environment, enabling the organization to get the best of both worlds.
“Each client should be thinking about what their business needs are and building out their cloud in a way that best supports their business and financial situation,” he says. “There is no one size fits all approach.”
If you need help sorting out your cloud plans, contact Carousel.
