Virtualization vs Cloud Computing: Key Differences

The introduction of cloud-based infrastructure has brought a dramatic change in IT (Information Technology) infrastructure. Unlike the traditional methods of managing data in the data warehouses with extremely high CapEx, virtualization and cloud computing are all set to replace the on-premise data management system. If you are unfamiliar with the relationship between virtualization and cloud computing functions, the terms can be used interchangeably. Despite their similarities, the two technologies are not the same, and the distinction is large enough to influence your business decisions.

If you are looking for a career in the cloud, enrolling in cloud computing online training is excellent. This tutorial will walk you through the basics of virtualization and cloud computing, the difference between virtualization and cloud computing, and other relevant terms. Besides, we aim to discuss the benefits of both the cloud-based storage modes and help you make better choices when picking between the two.

What is Virtualization?

Virtualization uses software to provide an abstraction layer over actual hardware. It puts a virtual computer system in place, often known as virtual machines (VMs). This allows enterprises to divide a physical server into several virtual servers by running multiple virtual machines, operating systems, and applications. 

Characteristics of Virtualization 

Virtualization comes with distinguishing characteristics and stand-out features that make it outperform the traditional storage systems. Let us discuss them in detail: 

1. Sharing

Virtualization allows users to build multiple computing environments from a single host machine or a network of connected servers. This will enable users to manage and limit the number of active servers and reduce power usage. 

2. Emulation 

Emulation is the process of running several guest programs in a virtualized environment under the direction of the virtualization layer. Guest programs can be executed even if they are not present in the physical host by simulating a completely pristine environment. 

3. Isolation

Self-contained virtual machines in virtualization software provide an isolated online environment for guest users. This separation safeguards critical data while allowing guests to remain connected. 

4. Robust Security 

Virtualization improves the host's ability to monitor and manage the execution of all guest programs more transparently. A virtual machine manager can monitor and filter the activities of guest programs, preventing some potentially dangerous processes. 

5. Aggregation 

Virtualization allows numerous devices to share resources from a single machine, but it may also be used to merge multiple devices into a single mighty host. A cluster management software, which integrates a homogeneous set of computers or servers to establish a unified resource center, is essential for aggregation. 

6. Portability 

In terms of hardware, portability enables guests to be safely transported between virtual machines. Virtualization in programming allows application components to run on their virtual computer. 

7. Managed execution 

Virtualization enables a wide range of computer scenarios. Shared, aggregated, replicated, and isolated guest programs and environments are all options. As a result, the guest receives a personalized solution that is both efficient and effective. 

8. Scalability

This is the capacity of a system's performance and costs to grow or decrease in response to changes in application and system processing demands. 

Use Cases and Examples of Virtualization 

In this section, let us take a look at some of the examples of virtualization: 

1. Application Virtualization 

Application virtualization is a cloud-based technology that allows users to use applications from a computer other than the one installed in their systems.

2. Desktop Virtualization 

Desktop virtualization is a technology that allows users to run numerous desktop operating systems on a single computer. It is divided into two types: 

• Locally hosted desktop virtualization uses a hypervisor to run multiple operating systems from one computer. 
• Virtual desktop infrastructure. It mimics the conventional desktop computing model as virtual desktop sessions that operate on virtual machines in a cloud data center. 

3. Server Virtualization 

This divides one physical server into several virtual servers called virtual private servers. It offers advantages such as cost savings and the automation of some tasks. 

4. Storage Virtualization 

Storage virtualization combines numerous network storage resources into a single storage device that users can access from different locations. This enables linked servers, devices, and applications to retrieve data from a single dashboard without knowing where the data is kept. It is simple to back up your systems and move data around with virtualized storage. 

5. Network Virtualization 

A network administrator can configure and control a network's abstracted hardware and software components using a single console. There are two types of network virtualization: 

• Software-defined networking (SDN) -Virtualized network traffic routing control hardware. 
• Network function virtualization (NFV) - Other network hardware is virtualized for more straightforward configuration and administration. This facilitates network automation and scaling. 

6. Hardware Virtualization 

A software called a hypervisor is used in hardware virtualization. It is virtualization software that divides and allocates resources across multiple pieces of hardware in cloud hosting. The hypervisor handles the shared physical resources. We use a virtual machine monitor (VVM) to virtualize hardware. 

7. Data Virtualization 

Data virtualization makes data administration easier for modern businesses with a large amount of data in different formats, types, and locations. 

What is Cloud Computing? 

Cloud computing is the supply of computer services over the Internet, including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence.

There are three types of cloud computing: 

• Private Cloud 

This refers to cloud computing resources only used by one company or organization. 

• Public Cloud 

Public clouds, which offer computing resources like servers and storage through the web, are owned and operated by third-party cloud service suppliers. 

Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, is an associate example of a public cloud. 

• Hybrid Cloud 

Public and private clouds are combined to form a hybrid cloud linked by technology that allows data and applications to be exchanged between them. The hybrid cloud is transforming enterprise cloud computing. 

Characteristics of Cloud Computing 

To understand how virtualization is different from cloud computing, we will discuss some of the unique features and characteristics of cloud computing that make it stand out and unique. 

1. Resource Pooling 

Resource pooling is a cloud service provider's ability to share resources among multiple clients while simultaneously providing unique services tailored to their needs. It is a multi-client technique used for data storage, processing, and bandwidth provisioning services.

2. Security 

To prevent data loss, cloud services make a copy of the stored data. If one server loses data, the copied version from the other server is used to restore the data. This feature is useful when multiple people work on the same file in real-time, and the file becomes corrupted. 

3. Economical 

Cloud computing reduces the upfront costs of purchasing hardware and software and building up and running on-site datacenters—the racks of servers, the round-the-clock power and cooling, and the IT staff to manage the infrastructure. 

4. Multi-tenancy 

Multi-tenancy refers to a software design that permits a single program instance to serve many user groups. It denotes that many cloud provider customers are sharing computing resources. Even though they use the same computing resources, each Cloud customer's data is kept distinct and secure. 

5. Flexibility 

Cloud computing allows your employees to be more adaptable at work and home. Employees can use web-enabled devices to access files, for example. The option to simultaneously share documents and other information through the Internet can help internal and external collaboration. 

6. Scalability and rapid elasticity 

This cloud feature makes it possible to run workloads that demand many servers but only for a short period at a low cost. 

7. Large network access 

A client can access cloud data or move data to the cloud from any location using their device and stable internet connection. These capabilities are available throughout the corporation and can be accessed over the Internet. 

Use Cases and Examples of Cloud Computing 

In this section, let us take a look at some of the examples of cloud computing in detail: 

1. Software as a Service 

It is a software distribution model in which a cloud service provider hosts services. These services are accessible to end-users via the Internet. Therefore they do not require installing any software on their devices to use them.

Some services provided by Saas providers include: 

• Commercial SaaS (Software as a Service) services include ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), CRM (Customer Relationship Management), billing, and sales. 
• Document management refers to a software application for creating, managing, and tracking electronic documents provided by a third party (SaaS providers). Examples include Slack and Zoho Forms. 
• Social networks - For their convenience, social networking service providers employ SaaS to manage the information of the general public. An example of a social network using Software as a Service is LinkedIn. 
• Mail services - Many email companies use SaaS to deliver their services to handle many users. Mail services using SaaS include Gmail.

2. Platform as a Service 

This is a cloud computing model where customers receive hardware and software tools from a third-party supplier over the Internet. 

Examples include Google App Engine, Force.com, Joyent, and Microsoft Azure. 

PaaS (Platform as a Service) providers provide: 

• Programming languages developers use to develop applications. Some programming languages provided include Java, PHP, and Perl.
• Application frameworks are used to understand application development easily. Popular application frameworks provided include Node.js, WordPress, and Spring. 
• Databases are used to communicate with other applications. They include ClearDB and MongoDB, among others. 

3. Infrastructure as a Service 

This cloud computing service offers pay-as-you-go basic computation, storage, and networking resources on demand. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) providers offer the following services: 

• Storage: The IaaS provider provides back-end storage. 
• Network: They offer networking components such as routers, switches, and bridges for virtual machines. 
• Load balancers: Load balancing capabilities are provided at the infrastructure layer. 

Virtualization vs Cloud Computing 

Let us discuss virtualization vs cloud computing in detail: in detail: 

Benefits of Virtualization 

1. Reduced downtime and enhanced resilience in data recovery.
2. Increased efficiency and productivity 
3. Virtualization reduces the amount of energy consumed. 
4. It cuts down on IT expenses, making it economical. 
5. Portability.
6. It helps in the prevention of attacks. When an application is exposed, it can be segregated from other applications. 

Benefits of Cloud Computing 

1. Cloud computing makes it cheaper to purchase hardware and software. 
2. You can quickly scale up or scale down operations as demand increases or reduces to meet customer demands.
3. Cloud computing architecture is easy to implement and affordable. 
4. Cloud computing enables employees to work flexibly from wherever they are as long as they have internet connectivity. 
5. It is economical because, with cloud computing, you have reduced downtime, your energy consumption is reduced, and you no longer need expert staff. 
6. Having data stored on the cloud protects you from data loss due to disasters such as power failure. 
7. Cloud computing also gives employees working on a similar project in different locations access to files from wherever they are efficient. 
8. Your cloud computing system automatically gets updated to the latest technology. The system updates will also update the Software to versions that are up to date.

Which one is Best for You?

Virtualization and cloud computing services are not automated solutions. Things can change anytime, just like any other technology or service a company embraces. While virtualization technology has some truly innovative advantages, it is a large investment requiring a significant amount of time, effort, and planning. Investing in virtualization pays off eventually as it reduces operational costs. Cloud solutions are best for organizations, relying on hardware that needs to be upgraded. If you are interested in building your career in this field, you should consider cloud computing online training at KnowledgeHut. 

Conclusion

Not that you have a clear understanding on what is the difference between virtualization & cloud computing and their advantages in detail, it is clear that they are not competitors. Cloud computing is an evolved version of virtualization. Cloud storages are usually designed to support cloud computing, which is the act of running workloads on a machine. We hope this article serves the purpose of differentiating the concepts of virtualization and cloud computing.

Happy Learning Tech!