Storage, Server, Network and Application Virtualization, Research Paper Example

Virtualization technology is popular in today’s organizations and is integrated with servers, computer storage, networks, and computer applications. With server virtualization, the computer server is divided into separate virtual environments and this is important because it makes it possible for multiple servers to operate with one physical hardware source (Gottlieb, 2012).

Storage virtualization, according to the Storage Networking Industry Association, hides, abstracts, or isolates a storage system’s internal functions. This is important because it allows for the management of stored data in a network-independent manner (Adshead, 2010). In other words, multiple storage systems can be managed as one storage system, which makes it easier to move and tier data automatically and to easily enable continuous data protection.

Network virtualization is also a growing trend, particularly with cloud computing. It allows for the creation of virtual environments that can be managed and manipulated via the cloud environment. This is important because it allows for flexibility and mobility of network services regarding such features as resource sharing, bandwidth control, traffic isolation, load balancing (Foxwell, 2012).

Application virtualization is important because it allows end users to install applications in a virtual environment instead of on computers directly. This works by the process of applications running in individual virtual environments as individually isolated sequenced applications. When an application is installed via virtualization, it is published to the end user computer for use. This is more convenient and allows for sharing applications with many users in various locations, even in different countries (Technet, 2010).

Awareness of the importance of virtualization technology is increasing due to factors such as conserving resources, market competition, and government regulations in the field of information technology. Virtual machines are what is created with this technology and this will become even more widespread in the future.

 References

Adshead, A. (2010, December). Storage virtualization benefits and products. Retrieved from Computer Weekly: http://www.computerweekly.com/Storage-virtualization-benefits-and-products

Foxwell, H. J. (2012, August 28). The Growing Importance of Network Virtualization. Retrieved from Oracle: https://blogs.oracle.com/drcloud/entry/the_growing_importance_of_network

Gottlieb, A. (2012, August 20). Server virtualization and Next-generation Enterprise WAN architecture. Retrieved from Network World: http://www.networkworld.com/article/2222983/cisco-subnet/server-virtualization-and-next-generation-enterprise-wan-architecture.html

Technet. (2010, January 11). Overview of Application Virtualization. Retrieved from Microsoft: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee958112.aspx