Not everyone understands the difference between virtualization and cloud computing. In a nutshell, virtualization technology has made cloud computing and services possible. The easiest way to explain it is to use the example of a personal computer. Virtualization creates its own full-fledged version of a physical work machine with an operating system and applications, while cloud technology allows you to move this virtual machine to different platforms and provide remote access to it, for example, via the Internet.
What is virtualization
Virtualization separates computing resources from hardware and allows for the creation of multiple virtual environments on a single physical IT infrastructure. Initially, the technology referred to server virtualization, when a single physical server hosted several virtual servers. Now virtualization is used to abstract not only servers, but also workstations, applications, storage and even network infrastructure.
A hypervisor, a software or hardware device that abstracts and manages the computing resources of the physical infrastructure, is responsible for virtualization.
Virtualization platforms, such as Microsoft Hyper-V, VMWare vSpher, create not just computing resources, but full-fledged virtual data centers with their own infrastructure and services abstracted from the physical IT infrastructure.
The simplest examples of virtualized resources are a dedicated virtual server (VPS/VDS) and virtual desktops (VDI).
A virtual server (VPS/VDS) is an isolated virtual analog of a physical server with specified resource limits and its own operating system. Unlike physical servers, VPS/VDS are quickly created and easily transferred to different platforms, and when they are no longer needed, they are also quickly destroyed.
Virtual desktops (VDI) are workstations with a specific set of programs and applications. All corporate data is stored on a secure remote server, and employees access it from their own computers. VDI allows a single IT engineer to remotely manage thousands of virtual desktops, even if employees are spread across dozens of branches of the same organization.
What is cloud computing
Cloud computing is action, and clouds are the virtual environments in which applications run. By connecting to clouds, users remotely receive virtualized services and computing resources according to their current needs.
Services in the cloud are provided through different models and can include both infrastructure rental and software operation. For example, it can be renting a virtual server or connecting to the cloud version of 1C.
The main models of cloud services
IaaS – infrastructure as a service
The provider separates computing resources from hardware – servers and storage – and provides them to its clients. Each customer receives isolated virtualized infrastructure such as servers, storage, and virtual machines. The provider ensures that the physical hardware is up and running, and the client maintains the virtualized infrastructure on its own, customizing it and installing the necessary software. The advantage of IaaS is that organizations do not need to purchase equipment – if the load increases, the provider provides additional resources, if it decreases, there is no need to pay for unused capacity.
PaaS – platform as a service
PaaS implies the provision of a greater range of services, compared to IaaS. Under this model, clients receive a virtual infrastructure with software already customized for specific tasks. Customization and configuration of the platform is undertaken by the provider, and the client has access to management. The advantage of PaaS is that the client receives a ready-to-work platform and does not spend its resources on its support.
SaaS – software as a service
Software as a Service is a completely ready-to-use solution. SaaS includes a huge number of software from email services to CRM. The advantage of SaaS is that customers get a ready-to-use service with certain unchangeable settings. The provider takes care of licensing, timely software updates and technical support.