It’s Time to Distinguish Cloud Computing and Virtualization!!

Virtualization and Cloud Computing are two technical terms that are often used together. In most cases, IT personnel often tend to get confused between these two! Even though these two technologies might sound like they are similar, but these can’t be interchanged. Their difference holds enough potential to affect one’s key business decisions. In this article, we shall learn the scope these two technologies have along with their associated benefits.

Virtualization

Whenever a user creates a virtual environment, it is known as Virtualization. In Virtualization, the physical infrastructure is separated for forming multiple dedicated resources. It allows users to run various OS simultaneously on a single system. Virtualization is the underlying technology behind Cloud Computing. But, important to note, Virtualization doesn’t mean Cloud Computing!

System Virtualization

System virtualization refers to creating multiple systems within a single system and is usually implemented using hypervisor technology. The hypervisor technology can be either firmware or software components having the capability to virtualize system resources. Various hypervisors help in establishing Virtualization taking place within the Cloud.

Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing refers to delivering shared resources through the Internet on demand. Cloud Computing is assembled atop virtualized infrastructure that has automated control comprising of resources like- computers, network and storage components.

Virtualization and Cloud Computing: How Different?

The key difference between the two technologies is that hardware manipulation is done in the case of Virtualization. On the other hand, Cloud Computing refers to a service derived out of manipulation. Cloud Computing and Virtualization are clubbed together for delivering several services, particularly in case of creating a private Cloud infrastructure. Each of the technology is going to be deployed differently for small businesses to gain some measurable benefits. In various ways, the CAPEX on equipment is cut short by gaining maximum benefits out of it. Hence, Cloud offers benefits such as elasticity, self-service ability, pay-per-consume and scalability.

All these benefits are, however, not possible with Virtualization. Virtualization might co-exist with Cloud Computing, but Cloud can’t be formed’ without Virtualization.

Advantages of Virtualization and Cloud Computing

Benefits of Virtualization

• With Virtualization in place, less number of servers are purchased and maintained with the capacity of the virtualized server is used the most as compared to the non-virtualized ones. Virtual machines tend to operate their OS and enterprise-based application that are needed to run a business.
• Virtualization allows deploying of lesser hardware for performing similar kinds of tasks. With increased power usage, the efficiency of physical infrastructure has also got enhanced.
• Virtualization comprises of data centers, resulting in lower redundancy in a virtualized environment.
• In the case of Virtualization, downtime gets reduced during maintenance periods, wherein alterations in one server can be done without disrupting the working of other machines.
• Virtual machines offer security by replicating the desired level of privacy for a device or resources that often come with wired devices.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

• On the other hand, Cloud Computing is a technology that is made accessible by means of an Internet connection instead of deploying on the network. Businesses can opt for different Cloud-based solutions along with Cloud providers to fulfill their business needs. Various business-class applications can be easily implemented with the help of cloud computing and its cost can easily fit with small businesses.
• With Cloud Computing in place, various business needs, such as operations and storage, can be altered by allowing flexibility as per business needs. The term scalability has now become an inevitable term with Cloud deployments taking place. The Cloud resources are deployed automatically whenever need, making Cloud Hosting an ideal solution for businesses.
• With Cloud, there is unlimited storage, thereby eliminating the need for deploying additional resources to expand the storage.
• Cloud-based backup and recovery has enabled a faster backing up process and also resulted in a quicker recovery of the data. Cloud providers today offer flexible recovery and backup solutions.
• Deployment with Cloud Computing helps in making the system entirely functional in a brief span of time.

Which One?

Virtualization is all about manipulating the software and hardware. Virtualization offers facilities related to infrastructure. It can be perceived as a product since it has made it possible to buy solutions via software.

On the other hand, Cloud Computing is the result of software and hardware manipulation process. Cloud computing allows businesses to reduce system architecture-related costs, bringing ease to their customers. Cloud Computing is more of an IT architecture-based concept.

Conclusion:

Both Cloud Computing and Virtualization work as a one-to-many model. In the case of Virtualization, a single computer system can work like several computers are performing together. Cloud Computing allows several businesses to access a single common platform. The underlying difference, however, lies with how companies are going to use these two technologies to address their needs.