Cloud Computing, 2nd Edition

Understanding Virtualization

Again, virtualization uses hardware and software to create the illusion that two or more entities are present when there is only one physical entity in existence. The most common forms of virtualization include the following:

• Server virtualization: Making one server appear as many. Each virtual server may run the same or a different operating system. Server virtualization provides greater CPU utilization, a smaller equipment footprint, less power consumption, and support for multiple operating systems. A computer system running virtual software called a virtual machine.

• Desktop virtualization: This allows a user to switch between multiple operating systems on the same computer. Some desktop virtualization techniques ...