Virtualization and its effect to the world

In computing, virtualization means to create a virtual version of a device or resource, such as a server, storage device, network or even an operating system where the framework divides the resource into one or more execution environments. Even something as simple as partitioning a hard drive is two separate hard drives. Devices, applications as if it were a real single logical resource. The term virtualization has become somewhat of a buzzword, and as a result the term is now associated with a number of computing technologies including the following:

Storage virtualization: The amalgamation of multiple network storage devices into what appears to be a single storage unit.

Server virtualization: The partitioning a physical server into smaller virtual servers.

Operating system-level virtualization: A type of server virtualization technology which works at the operating system (kernel) layer.

Network virtualization: Using network resources through a logical segmentation of a single physical network.

Application virtualization: Application virtualization is layered on top of other virtualization technologies, such as storage virtualization or machine virtualization to allow computing resources to be distributed dynamically in real time.

Virtualization has already grown from a branch of technology to a broad technology concept nowadays ( just like the e-commerce and telephone network). In today's world, the main reason why IT organizations are considering virtualization of some, or all, of their computing infrastructures is that the technology helps to reduce costs drastically.The benefits of virtualization are usually primarily cost savings. 

Benefits:

1. Magnified failures. In the physical world, a server hardware failure typically would mean one server failed and backup servers would step in to prevent downtime. In the virtual world, depending on the number of virtual machines residing on a physical box, a hardware failure could impact multiple virtual servers and the applications they can host.

2. Having fewer physical server saves you money on power bills, maintenance fees and datacentre office space and fees. Cheaper implementation.

3. Business doesn't stop. Consolidating software applications, operating systems and hardware platforms, leads to fewer redundant physical devices needed to serve as primary machines.

4. In computing, the benefits of virtualization are usually primarily cost savings.

5. Virtual servers are completely segregated from one another, running as though they rely on separate hardware, which decreases downtime during maintenance periods. Changes can be made to one virtual server without affecting others sharing the same hardware.

6. It makes business world more convenient rather than having many physical servers it is better to have virtual servers.