Virtualisation can be defined as the use of software to create a layer on top of the system hardware to split its elements (such as processors, memory or storage) into several virtual systems, making the use of physical hardware more efficient.
Existing types of virtualisation
Virtualisation can be applied in organisations at different levels, some of the main methods being the following:
Server virtualisation
A cornerstone of cloud computing, server virtualisation is understood as the process of separating server software from its hardware, thus creating multiple virtual servers with their applications and operating systems running on a single physical server.
Thanks to this type of virtualisation, dozens of virtual servers (also known as VMs or virtual machines) can be loaded on a single physical server, as we have just mentioned, so that server resources are used more effectively and efficiently.
As previously mentioned, server virtualisation is the basis of cloud computing and has a number of advantages:
- Increased energy savings due to fewer machines required with a consequent reduction in cooling and energy for their use.
- Cost savings as well as elimination of wasted or idle resources.
- Greater versatility by generating virtual machines with different operating systems.
- Increased application performance by using virtual machines for specific tasks, which also increases speed and flexibility.
- Increased IT efficiency and productivity by reducing the proliferation of servers and their management and maintenance.
- Disaster recovery is made easier by replicating existing virtual machines.
- Also linked to security is the benefit of reducing security threats by isolating each virtual machine on a host server.
Storage virtualisation
This type of virtualisation allows all storage to be centralised, improving performance and efficiency.
This virtualisation model has been in the limelight for decades, although it has given way to cloud storage.
By using this type of virtualisation, organisations have been able to reduce compatibility issues, as well as increase the performance and security of their storage environments.
When using storage virtualisation, a number of issues must be taken into account, such as interoperability and compatibility, performance and security.
Desktop virtualisation
This type of virtualisation is used to store the workspace of the respective users on a company server instead of on each device locally, enabling work to be carried out from any device and any location.
This desktop access creates a software-based version of the user’s desktop environment and operating system.
Broadly speaking, while they may vary depending on the type of deployment chosen, the benefits of desktop virtualisation are: easier administration, cost savings, increased productivity, better security, support for numerous device types, agility and scalability, and a better end-user experience.
Network virtualisation
Network virtualisation, instead of assigning each physical computer a physical task, is associated with software that can be changed, giving it the ability to be swapped with other computers on the network.
As with other computer virtualisation, network virtualisation aims to introduce a layer of abstraction from physical hardware and the applications and services they use.
With network virtualisation, digital service providers can optimise their server resources by improving the speed, flexibility and reliability of their networks.
This type of virtualisation abstracts the physical IT infrastructure elements from the proprietary hardware and groups them together, a process of great importance in the telecommunications sector to transform networks and operations.
For Telefónica, network virtualisation stands out within the company’s technological strategy, along with network softwarisation, the telco cloud paradigm or OpenRAN architectures in mobile networks or Open Broadband in fixed networks.
Virtualisation of applications
This type of visualisation aims to ensure that applications run independently of the environment in which they are needed, eliminating incompatibilities and allowing, for example, desktop applications to run on a smartphone.
For the user, a virtualised application behaves the same as one installed on their device, while the application that is interacting with the operating system does so from a software layer known as a hypervisor.
Some of the benefits of application visualisation are that it facilitates remote working, extends the life of applications, extends the life of user devices, allows the use of mobile devices or involves easy installation, updates and support.
