Imagine that you have several computers in your office: one for accounting, another for storing files, a third for a special program, a fourth for e-mail… Each is buzzing, takes up space, requires electricity and the attention of the system administrator. Now imagine that all these “computers” can be “settled” inside one, but very powerful physical box! Does that sound like a trick? This is the magic of virtualization, a technology that can help change the way you approach IT in your business, even if you don’t know much about it.
This article is your simple guide to the world of virtualization. We will tell you what it is, without abstruse words, why it can be profitable and convenient for companies (especially small ones), and how this magic works. Are you ready? Then let’s go!
Chapter 1: What is Virtualization? We understand without complicated terms
Quite simply, virtualization is the creation of an “unreal”, that is, a virtual version of something quite real. Most often, we are talking about computer hardware: servers (powerful computers for work tasks), data storage systems, network equipment, or even ordinary work computers.
Let’s use examples, it’s clearer this way.:
The example of apartments
Imagine that your powerful physical server is a large apartment building. And virtualization allows you to “slice” separate apartments in this house — these will be our virtual servers (or virtual machines, as they are often called, VMs for short). Each VM “apartment” lives its own life: it can have its own “environment” (operating system, for example, Windows or Linux), its own “tenants” (programs and applications), and it is isolated from neighbors. At the same time, they all use common resources at home: electricity, water, heat (in our case, processor power, memory, and disk space of a physical server).
An example with a smartphone
You have many different apps installed on your phone: for communication, for photos, for games. Each app works by itself and thinks that the whole phone is just for it. Virtualization is like a very advanced version of such separation, only for whole computer systems.
Who is in charge of this “virtual house”?
A special hypervisor program is responsible for creating and managing all these virtual “apartments”. It’s like a very smart housekeeper or a hotel director. He makes sure that each VM has the resources it needs (a piece of processor, memory, disk) so that they do not interfere with each other and that everything works like clockwork. There is no need to delve deeply into how it works, the main thing is to understand its role as the “conductor” of a virtual orchestra.
And what can be made “virtual”? Yes, almost everything!
servers: This is the most popular destination. Instead of a dozen physical servers, there are one or two, and there are many virtual servers on them.
Employee desktops: Imagine that your computer’s desktop (with all the programs and files) is not on your old PC, but on a powerful server. And you just connect to it from any device — even from a thin client (a simple “box” without a hard drive), even from a tablet. This is called desktop virtualization.
Data Warehouses: You can combine multiple physical disks or storage systems into one large, easier-to-manage virtual storage.
Computer networks: You can create virtual networks with your own rules and security settings on top of an existing physical network.
Applications: You can “package” the program so that it works in isolation without conflicting with others, or run it on a server, and employees will use it remotely, as if it were installed on their computer.
So virtualization is not just one technology, but a whole set of tools that make the IT world more flexible and efficient.
Chapter 2: Why would your business need this? Possible benefits
“Okay, that sounds interesting,” you might say, “but what’s the use to me? I have a small business, and I have enough worries of my own.” And the benefits can be quite tangible, especially in terms of economy and convenience.
1. Potentially saving money is the most enjoyable part.
Less hardware means less spending. This is the main trump card. Instead of buying, for example, five separate physical servers for different tasks (for an accounting program, for a file archive, for mail, for a website, for a test environment), you can purchase one (or two for reliability) more powerful server and “run” five virtual ones on it.
What does this usually mean?:
- Potentially less money to buy the servers themselves
- Possible reduction of electricity bills (after all, fewer cars need to be “fed”)
- Potentially less cooling costs (servers heat up, and air conditioners also waste energy)
- Saving space in the office or server room
- As a rule, maintenance is easier — when you have fewer physical “boxes”, they are usually easier to maintain, update, repair, if necessary.
2. Flexibility and speed — keep up with the changes
Do you need a new “computer”? A couple of clicks and you’re done! Imagine if you urgently needed a server to test a new program or for a new employee. With virtualization, it can be “created” in a matter of minutes. There is no need to wait for the delivery of new equipment, install it, configure it. It can be very convenient!
It’s easy to “add power” (or subtract). If a virtual server suddenly lacks “strength” (processor, memory), then adding resources to it is usually a matter of several settings in the management program. Conversely, if resources are not used, they can be “taken away” and given to others. No shopping for new “memory strips” or processors.
3. Potentially greater reliability and safety — we sleep better.
Backups? It’s usually easier! Making a backup copy of an entire virtual machine (with the entire operating system, programs, and data) is often much easier and faster than copying everything individually from a physical server.
The ability to quickly “resurrect” after failures. If suddenly your physical server, on which virtual machines “live”, breaks down (anything happens), then these virtual machines can be quickly “relocated” to another working physical server (if you have one). Business downtime can be significantly reduced.
Isolation — everyone is in their own “house”. If one of the virtual machines gets “sick” (for example, it picks up a virus or the program crashes), then other virtual machines on the same physical server will most likely not even notice this. They are securely isolated from each other.
4. Convenience and order are the beauty of the server room (and more)
Less wires, dust and noise. It makes sense: less hardware means less of everything that goes along with it.
It’s usually easier to manage. All virtual machines can be managed centrally from a single program. It’s like having a remote control from your entire “computer park.”
5. Risk-free testing for “combat” systems
Do you want to try a new program, update an old one, or just experiment with the settings? Create a sandbox — a copy of your working virtual server — and do whatever you want there! If something goes wrong, it won’t affect the main system that employees use in any way.
6. Dinosaur support — old but necessary programs
It happens that a business uses some old but very important program that only runs under an ancient version of the operating system. Keeping a separate old physical computer for her is inconvenient and unsafe. But creating a virtual machine with an old operating system can be a great solution! The program will work in its “native” environment, isolated and supervised.
As you can see, virtualization is not just a buzzword, but a real tool that can potentially make the IT life of your business much easier, cheaper and more efficient.
Chapter 3: What are “virtual things”? The main types of virtualization
We have already realized that there are many things that can be virtualized. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular types of this “magic” so that you have a better idea of what’s what.
1. Server virtualization is the “heart” of modern IT
This is perhaps the most common and sought-after type of virtualization for businesses.
How is that? One physical server (a powerful computer) is divided into several independent virtual servers. Each such virtual server behaves like a fully-fledged separate machine: it has its own operating system (Windows Server, Linux, etc.), its own applications (for example, accounting software, mail server, database, website).
Why is that? The main goal is potential savings. Instead of buying and maintaining multiple physical servers, you use the resources of one or two to the maximum. Plus, all the benefits we discussed above: flexibility, fast deployment, and easier backups.
A simple example: Your company needs a server for accounting, a server for storing shared files, and a server for a corporate website. Instead of three separate pieces of hardware, you can buy one more powerful one and create three virtual servers on it.
2. Desktop virtualization — your office is always with you
How is that? Imagine that your Windows desktop (or other OS) with all the programs, files, and settings is running not on your office computer, but on a powerful server in the server room (or even at a cloud provider). And you can connect to this virtual desktop from any device: from a simple and cheap “thin client” in the office, from your home laptop, from a tablet on a business trip.
Why is that?
- Centralized management: IT is usually easier for an IT specialist to update programs, configure security, and help users when all desktops live in one place.
- Potentially more secure: Data is not stored on employees’ computers (where it can be lost or stolen), but on a secure server.
- Mobility: Employees can access their usual workplace from anywhere with an Internet connection.
- Possible savings on hardware: You can use older or less powerful computers for access, since all the main work takes place on the server.
A simple example: An employee leaves on a business trip, takes a lightweight tablet with him, connects to the Internet and works with his full-fledged office desk, as if he were sitting in an office.
3. Virtualization of data warehouses — putting things in order in the data warehouse
How is that? If you have multiple physical disks or storage systems, virtualization allows you to combine them into one large virtual “pool”. For operating systems and applications, this will look like one huge storage, although in fact the data can be distributed across different physical devices.
Why is that?
- It’s easier to manage: It’s easier to allocate space for needs, monitor filling.
- Space is used more efficiently: There will be no situation when one disk is full and the other is empty.
- More flexibility: You can add new disks to the pool without stopping work.
A simple example: You have three 1 terabyte hard drives. Storage virtualization can present them as a single 3-terabyte disk (or configure them for greater reliability, for example, so that data is duplicated).
4. Network virtualization — building “roads” for data in a smart way
How is that? It’s like creating separate “virtual roads” (network segments) inside your existing physical computer network. You can set up your own traffic rules for each “road” (safety, priorities for different data) without having to lay new cables or buy a lot of new network equipment.
Why is that?
- flexibility: Quickly create and change network configurations for different departments or projects
- Security: Isolate different parts of the network from each other. For example, separate the guest Wi-Fi network from the company’s internal network.
A simple example: In the office, the accounting department’s computers need to be on a separate, more secure network than the computers of the marketing department. With network virtualization, this can be done programmatically.
5. Virtualization of applications — takeaway programs
How is that? There are two main approaches:
- The application is installed and running on the server, and users connect to it remotely and see only the program window, as if it were running locally.
- The application is “packaged” in a special virtual container with everything necessary for its operation. This container can be run on any computer without installing the application in the traditional way and without fear that it will conflict with other programs.
Why is that?
- Easy to deploy and update: It is enough to update the application on the server, and all users will immediately receive the new version.
- Access from different devices: You can use the desired program even from a smartphone or tablet.
- Conflict reduction: Packaged applications do not “quarrel” with each other on the user’s computer.
A simple example: Your company uses a specific program for calculations. Instead of installing it on every computer, you can configure access to it through application virtualization.
Of course, these are not all types of virtualization, but these are the main ones that can be useful to a business. They are often used in a complex, complementing each other.
Chapter 4: How does it work “under the hood”? Very simple about the hypervisor
We have already mentioned the hypervisor, the very “smart” program that manages all this virtual household. Let’s take a little look “under the hood”, but we promise — without unnecessary difficulties.
Imagine the hypervisor as a very experienced and fair manager of a dormitory (our physical server), in which different tenants (virtual machines) live.
What is he doing?
Creates “rooms” (virtual machines): The hypervisor takes the resources of a physical server (processor, memory, disk space, network connections) and “slices” them into pieces, creating its own isolated space for each virtual machine.
Allocates resources: He makes sure that each “room” gets as many resources as it is entitled to under the “agreement” (settings), and that tenants do not take resources away from each other. If one VM suddenly needs more “power”, the hypervisor can arrange it (if there are free resources).
Isolates the “tenants”: It ensures that problems in one “room” (program failure, virus) do not spread to the neighboring ones.
Manages “entry and exit”: Allows you to start, stop, reboot virtual machines, take their “snapshots” (snapshots) for a quick rollback to the previous state.
What are hypervisors (very simplified)?
There are two main types that differ in how they are installed and work.:
Type 1 (on “bare metal”, or autonomous) This hypervisor is installed directly on the “bare metal” of the physical server, even before any operating systems like Windows or Linux. It itself is such a mini-operating system, specially designed for managing virtual machines.
What is it for? This is the most common type for server virtualization in companies because it is very efficient and reliable.
Type 2 (as a program, or as a host) This hypervisor is installed and runs as a regular program on top of an existing operating system on your computer (for example, on Windows, macOS or Linux).
What is it for? It is often used by software developers, testers, or just curious users to run another operating system on their computer (for example, Linux on a Windows computer) or to test some program in an isolated environment. It is less suitable for serious server virtualization, as it works “through an intermediary” (the main OS) and is less productive.
For businesses that want to virtualize their servers, it is the type 1 hypervisor that is most often of interest. It provides better performance and manageability.
The main thing to remember is that the hypervisor is the brain and the heart of virtualization. There will be no “magic” without it. Unnoticed by users of virtual machines, it does a great job of separating and managing resources.
Chapter 5: Getting Started in the World of Virtualization: Where to Start?
If you are interested in the idea of virtualization, and you are thinking: “Maybe we should try it?”, then here are some tips on where to start. The approach will be slightly different for small and larger businesses.
If you have a small business:
Start small and uncritical. You should not immediately try to “wrap” all your most important servers in virtual machines. Try to virtualize something simple first.:
- A server for storing shared files
- A server for testing some programs
- Maybe it’s an old server that’s already “breathing hard”, but something is spinning on it.
Use the available tools.
- If you already have a server with the Windows Server operating system, then it usually already has a built-in hypervisor that you can activate and try.
- There are free or shareware virtualization platforms.
- You can use type 2 hypervisors to experiment on your work computer.
Think about what problem you want to solve.
- Do you want to reduce the number of old buzzing “boxes”?
- Do you want to simplify backups?
- Do you need a safe place to test programs? The answers to these questions will help you understand which type of virtualization and which tasks to choose for it first.
Don’t be afraid to learn! There is a lot of information, manuals and video tutorials on the Internet (including in Russian) on setting up and working with popular virtualization systems.
If you have a medium or large business:
Here, the approach is usually more serious and requires careful planning.
Evaluate the current situation. Take an inventory of your IT infrastructure: what servers are there, what tasks they perform, how loaded they are, and what programs are running on them.
Define goals and objectives. What do you expect from virtualization? Lower costs, increase reliability, accelerate the deployment of new services?
Select a virtualization platform. The choice here is usually between large commercial solutions or open source solutions. The choice depends on the budget, available competencies, and functional requirements.
Plan your migration. Decide which servers will be virtualized and in what order. Think about how the data and applications will be migrated.
Think about a data warehouse. Serious virtualization often requires a reliable and fast storage system that all physical servers with hypervisors will have access to.
Do not neglect staff training. Your IT specialists should be able to work with the new virtual environment.
Consider professional help. If you do not have experienced virtualization specialists on staff, it may be worth contacting IT companies or integrators who will help you plan and implement virtualization competently.
Virtualization and clouds — what do they have in common?
It is important to understand that cloud technologies that are popular today (when you rent computer power, software, or storage space from large providers or from local Kazakhstani cloud providers) are very closely related to virtualization. In fact, all these cloud services run on a huge number of virtualized servers.
So, if you already use some cloud services (for example, a virtual server for rent), you are already indirectly connected with virtualization! And deploying your own (private) virtual infrastructure can be a step towards creating your own “private cloud” or part of a hybrid strategy where some of the services are at your “home” and some are in the public cloud.
You can start the path to virtualization small, gradually expanding its application and potentially gaining more benefits for your business.
Chapter 6: Is it safe? Dispelling fears
One of the common questions that arises when discussing virtualization is: “How secure is it? Is it possible that all my data and programs collected in one place will become easy prey for hackers or viruses?” These are legitimate concerns, but let’s get this straight.
Isolation is the main trump card
As we have already mentioned, the virtual machines are isolated from each other by the hypervisor. If one VM “picks up” a virus or encounters a software glitch, it usually won’t affect other VMs running on the same physical server. Each VM is like a separate apartment with strong walls.
- The security of the “house manager” (hypervisor) itself
Of course, the hypervisor itself is a program, and like any program, it can theoretically have vulnerabilities. But hypervisor developers (especially large, commercial ones) usually pay great attention to their security. They regularly release updates and “patches” (patches) that close the found “holes”. The main thing is not to forget to install these updates.
- Backups are your lifeline
Virtualization often simplifies the backup process. You can take “snapshots” of the state of virtual machines in order to quickly “roll back” if necessary. You can copy entire VM images to external media or other storage. Regular and properly configured backups are the basis for the security of any data, and in a virtual environment this is no exception.
- No one has canceled the general rules of “digital hygiene”!
Virtualization is not a magic pill for all threats. All the security measures that you applied (or should have applied) for physical servers are relevant for virtual ones as well.:
- Strong passwords for accessing the VMs themselves and the virtualization management system
- Antivirus software inside each VM (if it is Windows or another virus-prone OS)
- Network screens (firewalls) to protect both the VMs themselves and the entire virtual network
- Regular updating of operating systems and programs inside virtual machines
- Restriction of access rights: Give users and programs only the rights they really need.
5. Physical security — do not forget about the hardware
Even if you have super—secure virtual machines, but the physical server they run on is in an unlocked room where anyone can enter, this is a big risk. The physical security of the server (restriction of access to it, protection from theft, fire, flood) is still very important.
Is it safer or not?
With the right approach and compliance with all security rules, a virtualized environment can be even safer than a traditional infrastructure consisting of multiple physical servers. Why?
- Centralized security management: Easier to monitor and enforce security policies
- Fast recovery: In case of an attack or failure, restoring a VM from a backup is often faster.
- Sandbox testing: New updates or programs can first be tested on a test VM without risking the main system.
The main thing is not to take security lightly. Virtualization provides powerful tools, but they need to be used properly.
Chapter 7: Virtualization in Kazakhstan — are there any special features?
Virtualization technologies are universal and can benefit businesses in any country in the world. Kazakhstan is no exception. Let’s see if there are any local nuances.
The general trend towards digitalization
In Kazakhstan, as in many countries, there is an active process of digitalization of business and public services. The Digital Kazakhstan program and other initiatives encourage companies to implement modern IT solutions. Virtualization fits perfectly into this trend, as it makes IT possible to make the IT infrastructure more efficient, flexible and cost-effective — and this is exactly what may be needed for digital transformation.
Growth of the IT market and competencies
The demand for IT services in Kazakhstan is growing, and with it the number of IT specialists familiar with virtualization technologies. There are more and more integrator companies that can help with the implementation and support of virtual environments. This makes virtualization more accessible to local businesses.
The economic aspect
For many Kazakhstani companies, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), the issue of saving money is quite acute. Virtualization, which potentially reduces hardware, electricity, and maintenance costs, can be a real help.
Availability of Internet channels
For some aspects of virtualization (for example, remote access to virtual desktops or infrastructure management via cloud consoles), it is important to have a stable and fast enough Internet connection. There are usually no problems with this in large cities of Kazakhstan, but the situation may be different in the regions. This should be taken into account when planning.
In general, virtualization in Kazakhstan is developing in the same ways as in the world, offering local companies excellent opportunities to modernize and improve the efficiency of their IT.
Сonclusion: Your path to “smart” IT
Well, we took a little trip into the world of virtualization, trying to explain everything on our fingers. We hope that now this technology does not seem to you to be something extremely complicated and incomprehensible.
What is the most important thing to take out of our conversation?
- Virtualization is not a terrible beast, but a potentially very useful tool for any business that wants to work more efficiently and spend less on IT.
- It can allow you to save money on the purchase of hardware, electricity and maintenance.
- It can make your IT infrastructure flexible and fast – new servers and resources can be accessed in minutes.
- It potentially helps improve system reliability and simplify backups.
- You can start small, gradually understand and potentially get more benefits.
For Kazakhstani businesses striving for development and competitiveness, virtualization can become one of the tools on the way to building a modern, economical and “smart” IT infrastructure. This is the very “magic” that helps one physical piece of hardware do the work of many, potentially freeing up your resources for more important things — for the development of your core business.
Don’t be afraid of new technologies! Learn, try, consult, and you will be able to evaluate how virtualization can change your approach to IT.
DISCLAIMER
This article is purely informational and educational in nature and is not a professional IT consultation, legal advice or advertising of specific products.
The author does not guarantee the achievement of the described results and is not responsible for the decisions made based on this information. Before implementing any technological solutions, it is recommended to get professional advice and consult with lawyers on compliance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The information is current at the time of writing and is subject to change.
