Systems and Security : Architecture and Design
1.2 Virtualization and cloud computing concepts
Virtualization and cloud computing are two related technologies that have transformed the way organizations deliver and consume computing resources. Virtualization involves creating a virtual version of a physical resource, such as a server, storage device, or network, while cloud computing involves delivering computing resources, such as computing power, storage, and software, as a service over the internet.
The following are some of the key concepts in virtualization and cloud computing:
1. Virtual Machines (VMs): A virtual machine (VM) is a software-based simulation of a physical computer, that runs on a physical server. VMs allow multiple operating systems and applications to run on a single physical server, increasing resource utilization and reducing hardware costs.
2. Virtualization Platforms: Virtualization platforms, such as VMware and Hyper-V, provide the infrastructure and management tools needed to create and manage virtual machines, and to allocate physical resources to virtual machines as needed.
3. Cloud Infrastructure: Cloud infrastructure refers to the hardware and software components that make up a cloud computing environment, including servers, storage devices, networking equipment, and virtualization software.
4. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model that provides virtualized computing resources, such as virtual machines, storage, and networking, over the internet. IaaS allows organizations to consume computing resources as needed, without having to invest in and manage the underlying hardware and software.
5. Platform as a Service (PaaS): Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud computing model that provides a development platform for creating, testing, and deploying applications, without having to manage the underlying infrastructure. PaaS provides organizations with a fully managed environment for developing and deploying applications, freeing up resources for other tasks.