Virtual cloud computing is a combination of two technologies: cloud computing, and virtualization. Cloud computing and virtualization are often misunderstood as they are often used interchangeably.
Let’s clarify these terms and put an end to the confusion.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is one of the most prominent technologies in this digital age. Cloud computing refers to the instant delivery of computing services over the internet. These services include storage, databases, and networking.
Virtualization
Virtualization is another popular technology in this new internet age. Virtualization is the creation of a virtual version or a copy of an item, such as an OS, server, desktop, storage device, network resource, or operating system. This allows you to make use of the physical machine’s resources by sharing them among different users or organizations.
Cloud computing and virtualization have made many things possible that were previously impossible. Virtualization and cloud computing make it possible to access storage services and powerful computers via the cloud.
This blog will explain virtual cloud computing, its benefits, and use cases.
What is Virtual Cloud Computing?
It is the delivery of virtual environments via the internet on demand. All these virtual environments are hosted on a single physical cloud server that provides all resources. These virtual environments are perceived as local by users and organizations when they use them.
Today’s cloud infrastructure is powered by virtualization, which allows it to offer virtual environments via the internet. This has allowed users to share the infrastructure.
Also read: Virtualization in Cloud Computing: Definition, Types and How it Works
Cloud Computing: Why should you use it?
It is useful for companies, and this is the reason why this technology is widely used.
Increases accessibility and flexibility: Virtual devices can be accessed from any location at any time. You can also move them to other locations. You can, for example, move VMs from one server to another without altering their configuration.
Hardware limitations are eliminated: This eliminates the need to acquire new hardware in order to meet changing needs. Without causing downtime, organizations can shift resources as needed without any interruptions. For instance, You might need more storage, You can add another device to your network without having it taken down.
Improved Security: As virtual machines are safer and isolated from each other, they are more secure. All VMs are safe if malware infects one VM.
Different types of virtualization in cloud computing
These are the types and benefits of cloud computing’s virtualization. The following are some of the types of virtual cloud computing.
- Hardware virtualization: Hardware virtualization is the conversion of physical hardware to virtual devices that can be accessed via the internet. Hypervisor software is software that sits between the operating system (OS) and hardware. It splits hardware into virtual machines (VMs). All virtual machines share the same resources as the hardware.
- Server virtualization: Server virtualization is similar to hardware virtualization. Server virtualization is done by using a hypervisor. It divides a physical server into multiple virtual ones.
- Desktop virtualization: Desktop virtualization is the creation of desktop environments, also known as virtual machines. All VMs are able to access the network from any device.
- Storage Virtualization: This is a type of virtualization that involves virtualizing storage devices, and then combining them to create more storage. This allows for efficient storage utilization.
- Network virtualization: This involves virtualizing hardware and software components within your network to make it easier to manage. The network will become more flexible as the hardware becomes independent from the limitations of network software.
- Operating System Virtualization: OS virtualization splits the kernel into multiple instances, called containers. The host OS manages the computer resources and replicates functions across containers. Each container can work independently and only use the resources that are allocated to it.
- Application Virtualization: Applications can be virtualized from a central data center. This eliminates the need to install them on each user’s device.
- Data Virtualization: This allows organizations to centrally manage and manipulate data from multiple resources such as Excel files, Google Analytics reports, and so on.
Use Cases of Virtual Cloud Computing
These are some examples of virtual cloud computing and everyday uses.
- Business Applications: Organizations and businesses generally leverage cloud-based or Service-as-a-Software (SaaS) applications. These applications include ERP software as well as Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
- Audio and Video Streaming: All streaming audio and video services such as Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, and others are built on virtual cloud computing.
- Collaboration and Communication Platforms: Some examples of collaboration platforms are Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive. Facebook, Zoom, and Skype are examples of communication platforms.
- Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence: Google Analytics and Audience Insights are two examples of data analytics tools. Microsoft Azure AI and TensorFlow Google Cloud AI, and Amazon AI Services are some of the most popular AI-based software that uses virtual cloud computing.
Also read: Top 17 Applications of Cloud Computing
Benefits
These are some of the benefits:
- Increased security: Traditional network security methods include firewalls and end-to-end encryption. Modern IT departments can now virtualize and back-up data to multiple servers without the need for additional hardware.
- Operational flexibility: In the past, data loss was possible due to abrupt crashes or hardware failures. Cloud environments are different. To keep data safe, servers and storage devices are regularly backed up.
- It’s cost-effective: This model is based entirely on resource sharing and pooling so that organizations can reduce unnecessary costs.
- Virtual machines reduce the risk of system failure. You can transfer virtual machines to another server. Users will experience little or no effect on server crashes.
Conclusion
Although virtualization isn’t a new concept in the modern world, its combination with cloud computing has generated a lot of buzzes. It is possible to share resources using only cloud computing.
Virtual cloud computing also allows sharing of IT infrastructure. Organizations have seen significant benefits from this technology, including lower costs, reduced risks, and increased efficiency.
