Virtualization vs. Cloud computing

Virtualization and cloud computing are two different technologies. However both of them are considered as future saving technologies.

Virtualization is a technology which allows a single user to access multiple physical devices. In other words; it is a single computer controlling multiple machines, or one operating system utilizing multiple computers to analyze a database. Virtualization also enables to run multiple applications on each server, which reduces the number of servers a company needs to manage. This also allows consolidating the servers and doing more with less hardware. Other advantages of virtualization are, that is supports more users per a piece of hardware, deliver more application and to run applications faster.

Cloud computing offers scalable infrastructure and software off-site which helps to saves labor, hardware and reduce costs. Cloud’s virtual resources are usually cheaper than physical resources connected to a personal computer or network. And in cloud computing, the software programs will not be running in a personal computer, but rather will be stored on servers hosted elsewhere and which are accessed via the Internet. In simple terms, cloud is a collection of computers and servers that are publicly accessible via the Internet.

Simply, virtualization is one physical computer pretending to be many computing environments whereas cloud computing is many different computers pretending to be one computer environment. Virtualization provides flexibility which is a great match for cloud computing, and cloud computing can be defined based on the virtual machines created with virtualization. However virtualization is not always necessary in cloud computing, but it can be used as the basis. Cloud computing is an approach for the delivery of services and virtualization is one possible service that could be delivered. Virtualization provides more servers on the same hardware and cloud computing provides measured resources while paying for what is been used.

The key advantages of virtualization and cloud computing are the significant improvement in security, availability, and data protection. Cloud computing and virtualization are two evolving technologies in today’s world. However the decision that considers virtualization vs. cloud computing should not revolve around which technology is better since both are solid technologies that proved environmental and operational benefits.