Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 10
Virtualization
In This Chapter
• Examination of many different types of virtualization
• Identification of scenarios that may benefit from cloud computing
• A review of best practices in virtualization
The Greek philosopher Plato formulated the
theory of forms
, which is
based on the concept that the world of experience and sensation is merely
a reflection or representation of a more fundamental abstract form of
reality. The modern enterprise network embodies a form of Plato's theory,
creating electronic copies of physical documents that can be duplicated
and re-created at will or constructing entire virtual worlds with their own
physics models and constraints. Even technology itself is becoming more
a reflection of purpose and function, compared to physical systems dedi-
cated to a single task or purpose.
This chapter will examine the virtualization of services and technolo-
gies within the extended network enterprise. While I will not attempt
to rival Plato's work with a “theory of virtualization,” it is worth noting
the continued shift from physical representations of technology toward
more fundamental abstracted forms that consume less power and provide
greater flexibility than their physically bound predecessors.
203
