Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Virtualization
Virtualization is a “hot” technology. This chapter provides an introduction to the
basic virtualization concepts and issues. It begins by defining virtualization and ex-
amining the motivations for using it. It then turns to system virtualization models.
Technology is developed in response to a need. Virtualization technologies were
invented to address gaps in the functionality of existing computer systems. Let's
take a look at the meaning of computer virtualization and the various needs that
it fulfills.
System virtualization is technology that creates “virtual environments” that al-
low multiple applications to run on one computer as if each has its own private
computer. Virtualization is achieved by creating a virtual computer or virtual
operating system that behaves like a real one, but isn't. Workload isolation is the
primary goal of system virtualization.
Three virtualization models are commonly used. First, the ability to provide
multiple isolated execution environments in one operating system (OS) instance
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