VMware and desktop virtualization: organizational benefits and implementation

VMware

In recent years, there has been rapid growth as it relates to computer technology and the software and hardware available to consumers. VMware is one of the technologies that have grown in popularity over the last few years. The purpose of this discussion is to examine VMWARE and the wave of desktop virtualization. The research will describe the manner in which management benefits from VMWARE and it's usage within the organization and how the organization as a whole benefits from VMWARE technologies. Let us begin our discussion by defining the term Virtualization.

Virtualization

Bielski reports that Virtualization is just one aspect of a larger effort to manage both capacity and performance at a time when information technology (it) professionals desire to have information systems that are simple and efficient (Bielski).

According to an article entitled "Introduction to Virtualization," Virtualization is an emerging technology that is quickly changing information technology and the manner in which organizations and individuals use computers ("Introduction to Virtualization"). The article further explains

Today's powerful x86 computer hardware was originally designed to run only a single operating system and a single application, but virtualization breaks that bond, making it possible to run multiple operating systems and multiple applications on the same computer at the same time, increasing the utilization and flexibility of hardware ("Introduction to Virtualization")."

Virtualization works by allowing users to change hardware devices into software. For instance Vmware ESX Server software can be used to make virtual the hardware of an x86-based computer. This allows for the development of an irtual machine that has the capacity to run an operating system and applications in the same way that an actual or physical computer does ("Introduction to Virtualization").

As you can see, virtualization is a technology that is on the cutting adge and has the capacity to forever alter the manner in which organizations manage information technology. There are several additional technologies associated with the use of virtualization. These components are Virtual Machines and Virtual Machine Ware (Vmware) and will be discussed in the following paragraphs.

Vmware

Now that we have garnered a greater understanding of virtualization and virtual machines, let us focus on Vmware and the purpose that it serves within the realm of information technology. Vmware is a technology that works by inserting a thin layer of software on to the hardware or operating system ("Making Your Business Disaster Ready..."). The thin layer of software creates virtual machines and it is also equipped with a virtual machine monitor that distributes hardware resources robustly and clearly so that several operating systems are able to function simultaneously on one computer without being aware that there is more than one operating system running ("Making Your Business Disaster Ready..."). In addition, the virtualization of one computer is only the beginning point because VMware creates a strong virtualization platform that can extend amongst hundreds of physical computers and storage devices to create a virtual infrastructure ("Making Your Business Disaster Ready...").

According to a book entitled "The Book of VMware: the complete guide to VmWare workstation," VMware is utilized for the purposes of Quality assurance, Network programming and Testing and operating system development. As it relates to quality assurance VMware allows users to test for quality assurance without spending a great deal of money (Ward). VMware can save money related to quality assurance because several operating systems can be tested simultaneously (Ward). This simultaneous test allows the organization to see the flaws that might exist with a certain operating system. It also allows the organization to see which software system best fits the needs of the organization (Ward).

As it pertains to network programming and testing, VMware has a host only networking mode that does not require a physical network (Ward). As such an organization can try out networking without having to physically connect wires and computers together. VMware also allows for the testing of peer-to-peer programs. Additionally, if there is already a network present the VMware allows the organization to test and experiment without it affecting the real network (Ward).

The author further explains that VMware is also helpful and advantageous to have when developing an operating system (Ward). The author asserts that one of the most difficult aspects of developing an operating system is the amount of debugging that must take place. The significant amount of debugging that must be done is extremely problematic and it is often the case that the development of the operating system and the wiring of the code must be done on separate machines (Ward). However, the advent of VMware provides a solution to this problem by allowing the developer or programmer to present the test kernels as images for guest operating systems and open them up on the same screen as the work being developed (Ward).

There are several other advantages associated with the use of VMware. These advantages include continuity, costs and disaster recovery. According to a whitepaper published by VMware Inc. The VMware virtual infrastructure delivers a dynamic mapping of it resources to the business. Virtual infrastructure is far more flexible and easily managed than conventional physical servers, allowing administrators to manage and optimize services globally across the enterprise ("Making Your Business Disaster Ready With Virtual Infrastructure")."

The picture on the left is a depiction of the VMware Infrastructure. As you can see, there are various levels of virtual management. This VMware infrastructure guarantees that the enterprise servers, network and storage are secure and accessible.

VMware Incorporated actually offers and product suite composed of the VMware ESX Server, VMware server and VMware VirtualCenter and VMotion. According to the Whitepaper the VMware ESX Server is the primary tool used for providing virtualization-based dispersed services to it environments ("Making Your Business Disaster Ready..."). The main component of the ESX server is a virtualization layer that extracts memory, processor, storage and networking resources into various virtual machines that operate next to one another on the same physical server ("Making Your Business Disaster Ready...").

The capacity to share these resources is important because it enhances hardware use and reduces both capital and operating cost ("Making Your Business Disaster Ready...").

In addition to the VMware ESX Server there is also a free VMware Server that the company provides for Windows and Linux servers ("Making Your Business Disaster Ready..."). The VMware Server allows organizations to divide a physical server into numerous virtual machines and allows the organization experience the advantages of to virtualization. The free VmWare server allows the organization to simplify software development and testing because software developers can generate several virtual environments with more than one type of operating system on the same server ("Making Your Business Disaster Ready...").

In addition, the VMware server allows the organization to assess software in ready-to-run virtual machines without having to configure or install the software.

This software also allows for the re-hosting of legacy systems such as Windows 2000 in virtual machines that are running on newer operating systems such as Windows Vista ("Making Your Business Disaster Ready..."). The VMware server also simplifies the server provisioning because the virtual machine must only be built once and can then be deployed many times. The final advantage is that the leverage is pre-built and already set up to run applications, operating system and virtual hardware ("Making Your Business Disaster Ready..."). In addition other virtual appliances such as DNS and email are also available for download.

The suite also includes the VMware VirtualCenter and VMotion. The virtual center is responsible for providing principal management, and the optimization of resources. According to the article

These virtualization-based distributed services equip the dynamic data center with unprecedented levels of serviceability, efficiency and reliability. Centralized management capabilities provide a unified view of the entire environment and operational automation enables rapid provisioning, increased productivity, and improved responsiveness to business needs. Resource optimization delivers the highest virtual machine to physical server ratio while improving service levels to software applications. VMware DRS aligns available resources with pre-defined business priorities while maximizing hardware utilization. Migration of live virtual machines across entirely separate physical servers with VMware VMotion makes the maintenance of it environments non-disruptive ("Making Your Business Disaster Ready...")."

In addition the whitepaper explains that VMware HA is important because it allows for wide ranging applications that are cost effective and independent from hardware and operating systems ("Making Your Business Disaster Ready..."). Also the VirtualCenter reveals a powerful suite of programmatic Web Service interfaces that can be combined with third party system management products. Overall, it seems that the virtualcenter offers the most significant levels of efficiency, ease, security and dependability needed to run virtualization within the context of organizational information technology ("Making Your Business Disaster Ready...").

Overall the entire suite is essential to the implementation and maintenance of a virtualized environment ("Making Your Business Disaster Ready..."). It appears that the aforementioned VMware infrastructure is beneficial because it increases the ease in which organizations can manage the goods and services that they provide. This increases productivity and in turn it reduces costs. In addition the whitepaper explains that there are several ways in which the VMware is more efficient than conventional systems ("Making Your Business Disaster Ready..."). These are inclusive of the following 60-80% utilization rate for x86 servers as compared to a 5-15% utilization rate decrease in provisioning times which takes seconds with VMware as opposed to days with conventional systems

Faster response times that can be measured in minutes

No more downtime for hardware maintenance ("Making Your Business Disaster Ready...").

Constant, automated balancing of server workloads throughout resource pools to fully exploit the level of service as demand changes.

Increased accessibility for applications without additional configuration or increased costs ("Making Your Business Disaster Ready...").

It is evident that Vmware plays a vital role in the development and management of virtual machines. Not only does it simplify the implementation of virtual machines but Vmware also provides the neccesary the necessary toosl for majking information technology within the organization more efficient, less costly and of greater benefit to the orgaization.

Desktop Virtualization

One extremely popular aspect of VMware has to do with Desktop virtualization. Desktop Virtualization allows organizations to manage and support the flexible needs of the global workforce while also forifying security and management over organizational resources and vulnerable information ("Desktop Virtualization Products"). There are two types of software that are designed specifically for deskop virtualization: the VMware ACE Enterprise Edition and VMware Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solution. The former operates by allowing the organization to install and manage virtual machines that are secure and independent of platforms ("Desktop Virtualization Products"). These virtual machines allow use by end-users on their work PC's, personal computers or media devices. The latter software program "host desktop environments inside virtual machines that are running in their data center, enabling end-users to gain remote access from a PC or thin client terminal ("Desktop Virtualization Products")."

Future of VMware

Although there is a great deal of evidence to suggest that virtualization is here to stay, there are some skeptics that believe the presence of virtualization products produced by Vmware may be greatly reduced in the years to come.

According to an article published by e-week at the current time Vmware holds about 80% of the market but that percentage may be as low as 8% by 2011. The author contends that the current influx of companies offering free versions of various types of virtualization. In additon, Microsoft has promised to enter the market by 2008 with new virtualization technologies. As such it is apparent that Vmware and virtualization is here to stay but the companies that have the greatest percentage of the market share may not have it in the future.