Virtualization and cloud computing: The two technologies are often mentioned and confused with one another. Both terms are used interchangeable but reality is that they’re not same.

Though both Cloud computing and Virtualization can help you keep your IT infrastructure spending to a minimum and get the best possible use of resources, cloud computing is majorly a service, whereas virtualization can be termed as a physical infrastructure.

Here’s where the two technologies overlap: Virtualization is one of the fundamental technologies that makes cloud computing work. But, virtualization is not cloud computing.

Cloud computing Vs Virtualization

Virtualization allows multiple servers to run on a single host that controls access to the resources on the physical server. Here multiple servers are located on single machine this brings down hardware and operating costs to minimum. You have to purchase and maintain fewer servers, and you can get more use out of your existing servers. It’s software lets you distribute the resources of a single physical server to create several separate virtual environments, called VM (virtual machines). Each VM can run its own OS and different business applications as required bythe user.

Similarly storage virtualization software groups all of the enterprise computing resources from various storage devices into a single, shared virtual storage repository that is available to everyone on the network, no matter where they’re located thereby increasing its utilization up to 80% and reducing infrastructure costs considerably.

Whereas cloud computing is a technology accessed using the internet rather than implementing it on your own network. It allows enterprises to store and access resources on virtual servers, rather than deploying physical servers as virtualization demands. It also provides economical, flexible and agile means of storing data, as it doesn’t require the purchase and maintenance of hardware and software. Cloud-computing services take place in a non- local space while virtualization occurs in a local environment.

Cloud computing is not virtualization

With cloud, you can implement an enterprise-grade applications like CRM or service like VoIP or off-site storage with minimum budget generally on pay as you use basis. This helps you convert your capital expenditure into operational expenses. Whether you choose an application or a service, it resides on the cloud provider’s servers and you can access it via web browser.

Cloud-computing offers advantages like easier applications installation and hardware installation, access to high-level software and business applications; and the ability to try software before making final purchase. If you’ve built your IT system or network keeping in view future business needs and have a reliable and fast internet connection, cloud computing will require very nominal technology investment.

Cloud-computing and virtualization both operates on a one-to-many model. Both can work together like a true power duo to make the most of your IT services. Virtualization can make single PC perform like many separate PCs. Whereas, cloud computing allows many different users or organizations to access one single application. If you have invested in virtualization, cloud computing services can further maximize your IT initiatives. Cloud can help you to quickly scale computing resources in realtime.

Cloud-computing can remotely interact and control data stored on physical servers through virtualization. This empowers the cloud with greater flexibility and scalability while saving money for you.

I hope now you can understand the difference the two technologies. Contact us today to start your journey towards developing a secure, reliable and customised, cloud- based solutions that meets your specific technology goals and ensures higher ROI for your business growth.

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