Server Virtualization Demystified

Picture a large cruise ship that’s designed to carry thousands of passengers. Yet, on its maiden voyage, it sails with only a handful of people. Not only is it an under-utilization of its capacity, but it’s also not cost-efficient. Now, think of this cruise ship as a traditional computer server. Instead of passengers, we have applications, and instead of rooms or cabins, we have resources (like processing power and memory).

Server virtualization is like retrofitting this cruise ship to have adjustable compartments. Instead of sailing with empty rooms, you can now adjust and divide these rooms to accommodate different groups of passengers (applications) as per their needs, ensuring that no space is wasted.

Benefits of Using Virtual Servers

1. Efficiency and Cost Savings: Instead of sailing multiple ships (servers) each with a few passengers (applications), you can have one ship (server) that accommodates all efficiently, saving on fuel (electricity) and crew (maintenance).
2. Flexibility: You can quickly adjust the compartments (virtual servers) based on passenger needs (applications). This adaptability is akin to reshuffling a deck of cards, ensuring that everyone has a place and space is maximized.
3. Disaster Recovery: If one compartment has a problem, it doesn’t mean the whole ship sinks. With the flexibility of virtual servers, one can be easily repaired or replaced without affecting others.
4. Resource Optimization: Allocate resources based on the demand of each compartment (virtual server) ensuring that no passenger (application) feels left out or cramped.

What is a Hypervisor?

In our cruise ship analogy, think of the hypervisor as the ship’s control system. It manages and allocates how space is divided, ensuring that every compartment (virtual server) has what it needs. It’s the brains behind the magic of adjustable compartments.

Types of Hypervisors

There are two main types:

1. Type 1 (Bare Metal):
   • Pros: This control system is directly integrated into the ship’s design. It offers top-tier efficiency and performance, making it suitable for large cruise liners (big enterprise servers).
   • Cons: Requires specialized knowledge to operate and manage.
2. Type 2 (Hosted):
   • Pros: Imagine adding an adjustable compartment system to an existing ship. It’s easier to set up and is perfect for smaller boats (smaller servers or personal use).
   • Cons: Might not be as efficient as the built-in system, since it’s an addition to the existing setup.

Server virtualization allows us to get the most out of our resources, just as an adjustable compartment system would maximize a cruise ship’s capacity. By making the most of what we have, we can sail smoother, more efficiently, and with greater flexibility.