Virtualization Technology and Cloud Computing: Computer Science

LECTURE NOTES VIRTUALIZATION TECHNOLOGY AND CLOUD COMPUTING Virtualization enables creation of multiple virtual environments on a single physical machine, providing greater flexibility and efficiency in deploying and managing computing resources. It can be implemented in various forms, including server, storage, network, desktop, and application virtualization. Virtualization can be implemented in various forms, including: 1. Server virtualization: partition a physical server into multiple virtual servers 2. Storage virtualization: abstract physical storage resources and present them as logical volumes 3. Network virtualization: create virtual networks independent of physical infrastructure 4. Desktop virtualization: host desktop OS and applications on a centralized server 5. Application virtualization: isolate individual applications from the OS and present them as standalone, portable entities. Virtualization technology offers several advantages, including:  Efficient use of hardware resources  Reduced hardware costs  Increased flexibility and scalability  Improved disaster recovery capabilities  Enhanced security  Simplified application deployment and management  Reduced energy consumption and environmental impact While virtualization technology offers many benefits, there are also some potential disadvantages, including:  Increased complexity and management overhead  Performance overhead  Dependency on the underlying hardware  Risk of VM sprawl  Licensing issues  Security concerns  Single point of failure Cloud Computing is a network/internet-based computerized system, where a resource, software, information and application is provided for use by other computers that need it. Public cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services, such as storage, servers, and applications, over the internet by third-party providers. Public cloud providers offer these services on a pay-as-you-go basis, which allows customers to only pay for the resources they need, when they need them. Advantages of Public Cloud Computing :  Cost Savings - pay-as-you-go model reduces IT infrastructure and hardware costs  Scalability - easily increase or decrease computing resources as needed  Accessibility - accessible from any device with an internet connection  Reliability - high level of uptime guarantees critical operations  Security - advanced security features protect customer data  Ease of Management - service provider takes care of maintenance, updates, and security While public cloud computing has many benefits, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider. Here are some of the main disadvantages:  Dependence on Internet Connectivity - reliance on internet connectivity can cause disruptions in service  Security Risks - sensitive data can be compromised if the provider experiences a security breach  Limited Customization - standard services may not meet the specific needs of businesses, customization options may be limited  Lack of Control - limited control over infrastructure and data, must rely on provider to manage services  Downtime and Outages - public cloud providers can experience outages or downtime, resulting in disruptions to business operations  Hidden Costs - potential hidden costs such as data transfer fees or charges for additional services Non-public cloud computing includes private, hybrid, and community clouds, and it provides organizations with greater control, security, and customization options compared to public cloud computing. Advantages of Non-Public Cloud Computing :  Greater Control - the organization has greater control over the computing resources and data.  Increased Security - the dedicated resources reduce the risk of security breaches.  More Customization - the organization can customize the environment to meet its specific needs.  Compliance - the organization can better meet regulatory compliance requirements.  Flexibility - the organization can choose the deployment model that best suits its needs. Disadvantages of Non-Public Cloud Computing :  Higher Upfront Costs  Maintenance and Management  Limited Scalability  Lack of Standardization  Dependency on In-House IT Skills