What to know about Virtual machines and when to use them
What are Virtual machines?
Virtual machines (VMs) are software-based computer systems that emulate physical hardware. There is a creation of a virtual environment where your virtual machine basically lives on an internal computer (host) and appears as a Window icon on your computer.
They provide a virtualized environment in which users can install and run different operating systems, applications, and programs.
A virtual machine relies on physical resources to operate. It is equally made up of a CPU, memory, storage disks, and optional internet connectivity. Unlike a traditional computer composed of tangible hardware, a virtual machine exists solely in code.
What are the benefits of a virtual machine?
A virtual machine’s purpose is to create a virtual environment that emulates a physical computer system, allowing multiple operating systems and applications to run simultaneously on a single physical machine.
Virtual machines are indispensable for executing tasks that pose risks to the host environment, such as accessing virus-infected data or testing new operating systems.
Isolated from the rest of the system, the software within a virtual machine cannot interfere with the host computer, ensuring a secure and controlled environment.
When to use virtual machines in an organization
1. Looking to streamline operations and increase efficiency
By running multiple virtual machines on a single physical server, your organization can reduce the number of physical servers required. This leads to cost savings in terms of hardware expenses, space, and energy consumption. Also, virtual machines allow for precise allocation of resources such as memory, CPU power, and storage to each individual machine based on its needs. This guarantees optimal resource utilization and prevents waste.
Improving internal security
Virtual machines provide a high level of isolation between different systems running on the same physical hardware. This means that if one virtual machine gets infected with malware or crashes, it will not affect other virtual machines on the same host. There is continuity in operations.
2. Creating an environment for easy testing and development
With VMs, developers can easily create and test software applications in different operating systems without the need for additional hardware. This streamlines the development process, conserving both time and resources for greater efficiency.
Adopting Cloud computing
Virtualization is a key component in cloud computing, where multiple virtual machines can be provisioned on demand to meet the changing needs of businesses. This provides scalability and cost-effectiveness for organizations.
3. Putting in place a strong disaster recovery framework
In case of a system failure or disaster, virtual machines can easily be backed up, cloned, and restored on another physical host. This makes disaster recovery faster and more efficient compared to traditional methods.
4. Looking for cost savings options
One of the significant advantages of using virtual machines is cost savings. With VMs, you can run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, reducing the need to purchase separate hardware for each system. This allows an organization to save on hardware costs and also reduces energy consumption.
What is the link between virtual machines and hypervisors?
Hypervisors, or virtual machine monitors (VMMs), are software applications that enable the manufacture and management of virtual machines. They act as a layer between the physical hardware and the operating system, allowing multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server. In other words, hypervisors provide the necessary infrastructure for virtualization to take place.
Virtual machines rely on hypervisors to handle tasks such as resource allocation, security, and communication with the physical hardware.
What is virtualization?
Virtualization is the process of creating a virtual version of a computer system, including its hardware resources, operating system, and applications. It allows multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server, each with their own isolated environment. This enables organizations to make more efficient use of their resources by consolidating multiple servers into one physical machine.
Challenges of virtual machines or virtual environment?
- Performance Overhead
Running an operating system within another operating system can result in a decrease in performance due to the additional layer of abstraction. This is the case usually for resource-intensive tasks.
- Limited Resources
Virtual machines rely on the resources provided by the host computer, which means that they may not have access to all the resources they need. This can lead to reduced performance and scalability.
- Complexity
Setting up and managing virtual machines requires technical expertise and knowledge of virtualization software, making it more challenging for non-technical users to use.
- Security Concerns
Since virtual machines share resources with the host computer, there is a risk of passwords, downloads and other tasks being compromised when users do not observe best practices.
- Cost
While using virtual machines can save money on hardware costs by allowing multiple operating systems to run on a single physical server, it still requires additional licensing fees for each virtual machine. You will also need to make sure compliance is top notch as your virtual environment grows and every licensing rule is observed or else you can attract heavy fines.
Speak to our team of experts for licensing guidance of your VM environment
Our team of experts are knowledgeable in software licensing (Microsoft), specifically for virtual machines, and can provide valuable insights and advice to your organization.
We will also take a look at your particular requirements and needs to make sure your organization is using virtual machines in a compliant manner. Virtual machine licensing can be complex and confusing, with different rules and regulations for different types and numbers involved. It is important for your organization to stay compliant with these rules in order to avoid any legal issues or penalties.
We can also help your organization to save money by optimizing your virtual machine licensing and other licenses in your organization. There will be the need to check and recommend the most cost-effective licensing options. This can help you avoid overpaying for licenses you don’t need or avoid totally a case of using unlicensed software, which can also lead to legal consequences.
You can explore our knowledge and experience to help you choose the right type of virtual machine license for your business specific needs. Our guidance will help you determine which one is best suited for your particular organization.