Cloud Computing and Virtualisation

Cloud Computing

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Cloud computing is the on-demand availability of computer system resources, especially data storage and computing power etc. This is achieved using the power of virtualisation in which we create computing resources that have no physical presence, that is, they are virtual. This way we are able to run multiple processes on the same hardware resource with isolation. This creates possibility of using one hardware as multiple hardwares.

There are various types of virtualisation for various applications.

 Types of Virtualisation pertaining:- 

1. Application Virtualisation: 

Application virtualisation helps a user to have remote access of an application from a server. The server stores all personal information and other characteristics of the application but can still run on a local workstation through the internet. Example of this would be a user who needs to run two different versions of the same software. Technologies that use application virtualization are hosted applications and packaged applications. 

2. Network Virtualisation: 

The ability to run multiple virtual networks with each has a separate control and data plan. It co-exists together on top of one physical network. It can be managed by individual parties that potentially confidential to each other. 

Network virtualisation provides a facility to create and provision virtual networks—logical switches, routers, firewalls, load balancer, Virtual Private Network (VPN), and workload security within days or even in weeks. 

3. Desktop Virtualisation: 

Desktop virtualisation allows the users’ OS to be remotely stored on a server in the data centre. It allows the user to access their desktop virtually, from any location by a different machine. Users who want specific operating systems other than Windows Server will need to have a virtual desktop. Main benefits of desktop virtualisation are user mobility, portability, easy management of software installation, updates, and patches. 

4. Storage Virtualisation: 

Storage virtualisation is an array of servers that are managed by a virtual storage system. The servers aren’t aware of exactly where their data is stored, and instead function more like worker bees in a hive. It makes managing storage from multiple sources to be managed and utilized as a single repository. storage virtualisation software maintains smooth operations, consistent performance and a continuous suite of advanced functions despite changes, break down and differences in the underlying equipment. 

5. Server Virtualisation: 

This is a kind of virtualisation in which masking of server resources takes place. Here, the central-server(physical server) is divided into multiple different virtual servers by changing the identity number, processors. So, each system can operate its own operating systems in isolate manner. Where each sub-server knows the identity of the central server. It causes an increase in the performance and reduces the operating cost by the deployment of main server resources into a sub-server resource. It’s beneficial in virtual migration, reduce energy consumption, reduce infrastructural cost, etc.

6. Data virtualisation: 

This is the kind of virtualisation in which the data is collected from various sources and managed that at a single place without knowing more about the technical information like how data is collected, stored & formatted then arranged that data logically so that its virtual view can be accessed by its interested people and stakeholders, and users through the various cloud services remotely. Many big giant companies are providing their services like Oracle, IBM, At scale, Cdata, etc.

CASE STUDY:- 

Below I have attatched few examples like Azure, GeForce who uses the virtualisation techniques to provider various services.

AZURE

The Azure Virtual Desktop by Microsoft is an example of virtualization in cloud computing. As the name suggests, this cloud service allows users to deploy virtual desktops over the cloud. Using a virtual desktop, users can enjoy a comprehensive experience of the Windows OS without installing it on their personal computer.

The Azure hypervisor system is based on Windows Hyper-V

The Azure hypervisor enforces multiple security boundaries between:

• Virtualized “guest” partitions and privileged partition (“host”)
• Multiple guests
• Itself and the host
• Itself and all guests

GeForce

GeForce is a cloud gaming service by NVIDIA, released to the public on February 4, 2020.

GeForce Now allows virtually any compatible computer, whether it is a desktop, a laptop, a smartphone, or even a smart TV, to play high-end games sans the expensive hardware since all one needs is a stable internet connection.

GeForce Now is an excellent example that showcases the immense prospects of virtualization in cloud computing.