Difference between Cloud Computing and Virtualization

What is Virtualization?

Virtualization is a method of creating computer-generated replicas of servers, apps, data centres, and other forms of hardware that operate identically to their actual counterparts using the software.

Virtualization software uses a thin layer of software called a "hypervisor," which enables a single computer to host many virtual machines (VMs).

Virtual machines (VMs) are software containers that run their own operating systems and act like standalone computers, although only using a small portion of the underlying hardware.

For more efficient hardware utilisation, the hypervisor also assigns computing power to each VM as needed.

Virtualization technology enables businesses to use a cloud-like delivery model to improve internal workflows, security, and performance on their on-premise infrastructure. Companies can also utilise virtualization to supply various services to their customers by virtualising their infrastructure, software, and platforms.

Characteristics of Virtualization

Some of the characteristic features of virtualization includes −

• Sharing of Resources − Users can utilise virtualization to minimise the number of active servers, cut power consumption, and manage them.

• Portability − Virtualization provides a significant increase in portability. A virtual server is, after all, just a collection of files on a physical system.

• Availability − Virtualization software has various benefits and can help users minimize downtime, but it also poses security and safety risks.

• Licensing − Virtualization provides licensing advantages as well. Microsoft does offer a virtual environment option for Windows Server licensees. When you buy a corporate license, you get the ability to set up four virtual servers. The number of virtual Windows systems available with a data center license is infinite.

• Reliability − Virtualization technologies provide continuous load balancing by distributing superfluous servers across multiple host machines. Hardware problems become a minor annoyance in this approach.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing refers to the distribution of computer services such as servers, storage, networking, and intelligence via the Internet or the cloud. Cloud computing allows data to be stored and server processing remotely or from anywhere in the globe.

It is feasible to have a fully functional data center in a different location that is fully accessible via the Internet.

Providers utilize management software to automate repeated procedures and regulate the data, security features, storage capacity, and computing power required to send data between user devices and the cloud through URL or mobile apps.

Categories of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing services are usually classified into one of the following three categories −

• Software as a Service (SaaS) − The most common sort of cloudbased service is SaaS, which allows users to access the software via a browser or app without the need for any hardware installation or maintenance. While some services are available for no cost, many others demand a monthly or annual subscription.

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) − IaaS companies go above and beyond SaaS by managing the customer's software, hardware, servers, storage, and other critical requirements. IaaS consumers, unlike SaaS users, only pay for what they use on a weekly or monthly basis. Some suppliers will even let you pay by the hour. IaaS allows for stable, quick growth in both directions, even if it isn't always the most cost-effective alternative.

• Platform as a Service (PaaS) − PaaS is a cloud environment for application development and deployment. In this situation, providers provide everything a company needs from a single central point to support the whole development lifecycle, from building and testing to deployments and updates.

Cloud Computing Characteristics

Five basic qualities define cloud computing −

• Internet access is available

• Service that is measured

• Pooling of shared resources

• Self-service access on demand

• Rapid elasticity

Customers must be able to complete all steps necessary to complete a task, such as generating a report, sharing a document, or sending an email, without the need for assistance from an IT professional or data analyst.

Difference between Cloud Computing and Virtualization

The following table highlights the major points that differentiate Cloud Computing and Virtualization −