Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Choosing a
Technology
The preceding chapters described different forms of server virtualization, each with
its own strengths and limitations. But which is the right combination to use?
No one answer applies equally well in all situations. Each form of virtualiza-
tion has strengths and weaknesses. One approach might provide great value in
one situation, but offer little value in another. Some virtualization solutions can
be combined, making it possible to benefit from the advantages of more than one
virtualization technology at the same time.
This chapter discusses potential advantages and disadvantages of layering vir-
tualization technologies. It also provides guidelines for selecting the right virtual-
ization technologies for different requirements.
This section summarizes distinguishing characteristics of the technologies dis-
cussed previously, focusing on aspects that are central to the selection process.
First we will discuss the benefits of these characteristics.
A key component of virtualization is workload isolation. This takes three
forms: hardware, software, and security isolation. Hardware isolation prevents a
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