Server virtualization has become a dominant technology in most data centers because it addresses cost, scalability, and administration and management issues, while effectively consolidating data center hardware resources. Organizations are traditionally slow to introduce newer technologies that affect core operations, given data center complexity and the often enormous investments it represents. But IT administrators can implement server virtualization incrementally, mitigating any negative effects. Show
A virtual environment can help produce an array of benefits, including the following:
A degree of caution is advised when launching a server virtualization project in pursuit of those benefits, as there are several drawbacks that could undermine or at least hinder the virtualization effort. By understanding some of the potential pitfalls, the process is likely to yield fewer surprises and disruptions to data center operations. The following list of server virtualization disadvantages isn't intended to dissuade any organization from proceeding with virtualization; rather, it's meant to increase awareness so some of these stumbling blocks can be avoided. 1. Implementation and licensing costsOne of the most touted benefits of server virtualization is cost savings. Those savings are realized primarily through a reduction in hardware acquisitions. On the software side, overall expenditures are likely to rise with new costs for the hypervisors that enable virtualization. Even if the virtualization software is open source or included with a server OS, there might be additional support and maintenance fees. Also, new management software is required that specifically addresses the virtualized environment. And, because virtualization typically increases the overall number of servers in use, additional OS licenses will be required. 2. Virtual server sprawlAlthough one of the key goals of server virtualization is to limit the number of physical servers, it often results in having more virtual servers than had been deployed previously. As the number of VMs increases, other components in the IT ecosystem -- notably, storage and networking -- will be affected by the added capacity. 3. Data backupBacking up active data gets tougher in a virtualized environment because there are more servers, applications and data stores to keep track of. Because virtual servers can be easily spun up and down, it's critical that the backup app can ensure that all relevant business data is copied to backup media. Most modern backup applications have virtualization features, but you must confirm that those capabilities match up well with your environment. Also, with more active servers, it might take more time to back up the additional data. 4. Spinning up virtual servers is too easyVirtual servers are much easier to configure and launch than conventional physical servers -- that's a benefit, of course, but it can also be a problem. If allowed access, users with even limited technical expertise can spin up a new VM, maybe even without the knowledge of the sys admin. This can cause multiple problems, including spiraling OS licensing costs, untracked and unmonitored virtual servers, and possible regulatory compliance issues. 5. Single point of failureThe ability to run many servers on one piece of hardware is one of virtualization's most tangible benefits, but it also creates a single point of failure. If the physical server hosting the virtual servers fails, it results in the loss of a large chunk of data center operations. Single point of failure also applies to the storage system supporting the virtual servers; if several VMs are using the same RAID array and it fails, data might be lost in addition to the interruption of service. Clustering virtual and physical servers might provide enough support to overcome a hardware failure. 6. Server securityServer security is always a challenge, but it becomes even more complex when protecting virtual servers. The difficulty is predominantly related to the number of virtual servers in an environment and the volatility of their lifespans as they can be spun up and killed so easily. Most modern security applications are VM-aware and are smart enough to provide security for all the known virtual servers' data stores. A good security program should either provide an up-to-date inventory of virtual servers or work with a virtualization management app that can provide that information. 7. Resource contentionAlthough admins can make resource allocation adjustments to each virtual server, if one of those VMs is overtaxed, it might affect others running on the same physical server. If contention for resources, such as CPU cycles, memory and bandwidth is a persistent problem, more powerful hardware might be required to host multiple VMs simultaneously. 8. Performance problemsResource contention might be a cause for poor performance, but even with adequate resources, some workloads might not perform as well on a VM as they did when they ran on a dedicated hardware server. Another performance problem could arise if the hardware isn't fully compatible with the hypervisor, although that would tend to occur more often with older server or networking hardware. 9. Additional layer in the stackServer virtualization installs a hypervisor platform over the physical server's OS, which enables the creation and support of virtual servers. This arrangement adds another layer to the software stack between the applications that the VMs host and the hardware resources that they require. The added layer could affect performance and requires additional drivers that must be updated periodically. 10. Education and trainingAlong with server virtualization come new processes, methodologies and tools to manage the new environment. These changes can be profound and require training for current IT staff on managing virtual servers and on using the new management tools that the virtualized infrastructure requires. Most IT pros will adapt easily, but it does require budgeting some time and money for education.
Virtualization is a process that started in the 1960s when the machine resources of some of the earliest mainframe computers were split to operate on various applications at once. Virtualization happens when a virtual version of something is developed instead of an actual version. This may include storage devices, networks, operating systems, or even servers, with modern virtualization. Virtualization has since spread virtually into every form of digital life. Many individuals take advantage of what virtualization can do, from virtual machines that function like real computers to console emulation. Advantages And Disadvantages Of VirtualizationVirtualization has opened many opportunities for the people in each and every corner of the world, exploring the infinite world of technology where everything was possible sitting at one place. Organizations are looking forward to extreme utilization of virtualization from its core. Yet, virtualization can be the problem as it is cloud-dependent and sometimes even the servers need time to fix the problem.
There are advantages and disadvantages of virtualization that must be addressed before a device or strategy is completely implemented for the organization. Advantages of VirtualizationMany IT companies are moving forth towards virtualization with keen interest. The involvement of the cloud is one of the major advantages of virtualization for remote working platforms. 1. CheapSince virtualization doesn’t require the use or installation of actual hardware parts, IT infrastructures find it to be a cheaper method to implement. To build an on-site resource, there is no longer a need to devote vast areas of space and significant monetary investments. As if the hardware is built locally, we need the license or the access from a third-party vendor and start operating. 2. EfficientVirtualization also allows the hardware and software to be automatically upgraded by downloading it on your third-party provider. It allows IT professionals to handle the issue without hiring professionals and saving money. In addition to that, virtualization decreases the resource management burden to promote virtual environment efficiencies. 3. Disaster RecoveryWhen the servers are virtualized, disaster recovery is very easy with instant retribution of backup and up-to-date snapshots of your virtual machines. Virtualization made it possible for organizations to build an inexpensive replication site more easily. You can still move such virtual machines somewhere into a cloud provider if a tragedy strikes in the data center or server room itself.
Getting the versatility level ensures that it would be easier to enact the disaster recovery plan and would have a 99 percent success rate. 4. DeploymentWhen using virtualization technologies, deploying resources is considerably quicker. It is possible to greatly save time spent on building local networks or setting up physical devices. Thus at least a single connection to the virtual world is the only thing you need. And the implementation of virtual machines is often easier than installing physical models. 5. Promotes Digital EntrepreneurshipDigital entrepreneurship was nearly impossible for the average individual until virtualization occurred on a large scale. Almost anyone can start their own side hustle or become a business owner, thanks to the numerous networks, servers, and storage devices that are available today. Sites such as Fiverr and UpWork enable everyone to set up a shingle and begin to find some work to do. 6. Saves EnergyVirtualization is an energy-efficient method for both people and companies. Since there are no local hardware or software options being used, rates of energy consumption can be minimized. Instead of paying for a data center’s cooling costs and equipment operational costs, funds can be used over time for other operational expenditures to increase the overall ROI of virtualization. 7. Better UptimeUptime has risen significantly, thanks to virtualization technologies. Some providers have an uptime of 99.9999 %. At 99.99 percent today, even budget-friendly providers offer uptime. 8. Predictable CostBecause third-party vendors usually provide options for virtualization, people and businesses can have predictable costs for their IT needs. For example, at the time of writing, the cost of a Dell PowerEdge T330 Tower Server is $1,279 direct from the producer. In contrast, Bluehost Web Hosting’s services can be a sluggish $2.95 per month. Disadvantages of VirtualizationVirtualization has solved many complex dimensions that digital technology had to explore. But, yet the small but the major issues are still detected in virtualization. So, there are many disadvantages of virtualization stated below. 1. High Implementation CostsThe cost would be very low for the average person or organization when virtualization is considered. However, the implementation costs can be very high for the suppliers in a virtualization environment. At some point, hardware and software are needed, implying that devices must be either produced, manufactured, or bought for implementation. 2. LimitationsThere are many limitations of virtualization. Every server and application out there is not compatible with virtualization. The virtualized solutions would therefore not be supported by some of the organizations’ IT infrastructured. In addition, there are several vendors that have stopped supporting them. It requires a hybrid method to solve these needs of individuals and organizations. 3. Availability IssuesAnother significant aspect of an organization is availability. The data needs to be linked for an extended period of time. If not, the company would lose competitiveness in the market. Availability issues can be considered as the disadvantages of virtualization where every document from and for the client is critical for a service provider.
The servers for virtualization appear to go offline. The websites that are hosted would also be ineffective. The third-party providers are solely in charge of this, there is nothing that the user can do about it. 4. Time ConsumingWhile you save time during virtualization implementation processes, as compared to local systems, it costs users time over the long run. That is because to achieve the desired outcome, there are additional steps that must be taken. 5. Security RisksOur modern currency is information. You can make money if you’ve got it. You’ll be forgotten if you don’t have it. Since information is critical to a company’s success, it is often targeted. In 2017, the total cost of a data security breach was $3.62 million, according to a study released by the Ponemon Institute. For perspective: There are around 1 in a million chances of being hit by lightning. The likelihood of suffering a data breach when virtualization is used? 1 of 4. 6. Scalability IssuesAlthough thanks to virtualization, you can grow a company or opportunity quickly, however, you will not be able to become as big as you would like. Because several organizations share the same resources, growth in a virtualization network causes a lag. One large presence could steal away capital from other smaller companies and there would be little that anyone could do about it. 7. Several Links Must Work TogetherIf you have local machinery, then you have total control of what you can do. You lose power with virtualization since many ties must work together to accomplish the same task. Let’s use an example of a document file being saved. You can save the file instantly using a local storage device, such as a flash drive or HDD, and even build a backup. The ISP connection will need to be valid using virtualization. It will need your LAN or Wi-Fi to function. You’d need to have your online storage option available. If any of those don’t work, then the file won’t be saved. Hence, all these advantages and disadvantages of virtualization explain what are the benefits that can be gained as well as the demerits which might be a problem in some cases. As the world of technology is upgrading itself rapidly, many more breakthroughs along with complications will appear in the future. (Last Updated On: June 17, 2022) |