In computing, virtualization refers to the act of creating a virtual (rather than actual) version of
something like virtual computer hardware platforms, operating systems, storage devices, and
computer network resources. Virtualization began in the 1960s, as a method of logically dividing
the system resources provided by mainframe computers between different applications. Since
then, the meaning of the term has broadened.
Virtualization or hypervisor emulates computer hardware allowing computers with different
operating systems to run on a single physical computer host. Each virtual computer appears to
have the host's processor, memory, and other resources assigned to itself. The hypervisor, howev-
er, actually controls the host processor, memory and resources. It allocates the needed resources
to each virtual computer making sure that the guest operating systems (called virtual machines)
cannot disrupt each other.
UITS adopted the Virtualization technology in 2010 and started virtualization with a minimal
number of virtual machines. Currently, almost 82% of servers hosting the UAEU critical business
services are already virtualized. UITS has a 2 year strategic plan for Virtualisation to reach 95%.
Virtualization
Most organizations have adopted the Virtualization technology as it
provides several benefits such as:
Saving energy and cooling, i.e. going
green
Reducing the data center footprint
Faster server provisioning
Reducing physical hardware
Increasing uptime
Improving disaster recovery
By Nithin Damodaran & Ahmad Talal
Reference: Virtualization:
December 2015
| 16
UITS Newsletter
