A+ Certification Exam Notes : Virtualization and Cloud Computing
Brief review of Virtualization and Cloud Computing
Virtualization and cloud computing are two closely related technologies that have transformed the way organizations manage and use IT resources.
Virtualization refers to the creation of a virtual version of a computing resource, such as a server, storage device, or network, which can be accessed and managed as if it were a physical device. By abstracting the underlying hardware, virtualization enables multiple virtual resources to share the same physical infrastructure, providing greater flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency. Virtualization technologies include hypervisors, which manage and allocate physical resources to virtual machines, and containers, which enable the creation and management of lightweight, isolated environments for running applications.
Cloud computing, on the other hand, refers to the delivery of computing services, such as servers, storage, and applications, over the internet. Cloud computing is based on a pay-per-use model, where customers can access computing resources on-demand, without the need for upfront investment in hardware or infrastructure. Cloud computing can be divided into three main categories: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), which provides virtualized computing resources over the internet; Platform as a Service (PaaS), which provides a complete platform for developing, testing, and deploying applications; and Software as a Service (SaaS), which delivers applications over the internet.
Virtualization and cloud computing have become essential technologies for businesses of all sizes, providing greater flexibility, agility, and cost savings. They enable organizations to optimize their IT infrastructure, improve resource utilization, and accelerate the deployment of new applications and services. However, virtualization and cloud computing also present new challenges, such as security, compliance, and performance management, which must be carefully addressed to ensure their successful adoption and implementation.