Virtualisointiympäristöjä

Virtualisointi, often translated as virtualization, is a technology that allows for the creation of a virtual version of something, such as a computer, operating system, storage device, or network resource. This is achieved by abstracting the underlying physical hardware, making it appear as if multiple independent systems are running on a single physical machine. This abstraction is typically managed by a software layer known as a hypervisor.

The primary benefit of virtualization is increased efficiency and resource utilization. Instead of dedicating a physical server to a single application or operating system, multiple virtual machines (VMs) can coexist on the same hardware. This reduces the need for physical infrastructure, leading to lower hardware costs, power consumption, and cooling requirements. Furthermore, virtualization simplifies management and deployment. New virtual environments can be created and provisioned rapidly without the need for new physical hardware.

Virtualization also enhances flexibility and disaster recovery. VMs can be easily moved, copied, or backed up, allowing for quick recovery in case of hardware failure or other disruptions. It also enables different operating systems and applications to run side-by-side on the same hardware, which is particularly useful for testing and development. The concept has expanded beyond servers to include desktops, applications, and even entire networks, forming the basis for many modern IT infrastructures and cloud computing services.