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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.

Virtual Machines

Before we can discuss Vmware we must explain what virtual machines are because VMware came about as a component of Virtual machine technology. Virtual machines are highly remote software containers that have the capacity to run on separate operating systems and applications as if they were actual computers ("What is a Virtual Machine?"). Additionally a virtual machine has the same functions as a physical computer and has software-based RAM hard disk, CPU, and NIC ("What is a Virtual Machine?").

A virtual machine is a fascinating and important information systems component for many organizations. Virtual Machines have the capacity to operate like real computers because operating systems, applications or other computers residing on the same network cannot distinguish a real computer from a virtual machine ("What is a Virtual Machine?"). In fact the article points out that the virtual machine believes that it is an actual machine ("What is a Virtual Machine?"). However, virtual machines are different from actual machines in that they run completely on software.

Because Virtual Machines are different from real machines in the aforementioned ways there are several advantages associated with the use of a virtual machine ("What is a Virtual Machine?"). These advantages include hardware independence, isolation, compatibiliy, and encapsulation ("What is a Virtual Machine?").

As it relates to hardware independence, Virtual machines are completely independent from their underlying physical hardware. For instance, a virtual machine can be set up using virtual compnents that are totally different from the real components that are configured on the underlying hardware ("What is a Virtual Machine?"). In addition, Virtual machines that are a part of the same physical server can run different operating systems.The author explains that when one combines the advantages of compatibility and encapsulation, hardware indepenence allows the user to transport a virtual machine from one x86 computer to another and this can be done without having to alter in any way the applications or the operating system ("What is a Virtual Machine?").

In addition the article points out that hardware independence is an advantage because it allows several different types of operating systems and applications to run on one physical computer ("What is a Virtual Machine?").

Compatibility is another advantage associated with virtual machines. As was mentioned previously in the discussion virtual machines run on separate operating systems ("What is a Virtual Machine?"). The virtual machine also has -- in the form of software -- a motherboard, network card controller and VGA Card. This means that virtual machines are compatible with all x86 applications, operating systems, and device drivers. As such an organization can utilize a virtual machine to utilize the same software running on a physical computer ("What is a Virtual Machine?"). Another advantage of the virtual machines is isolation. Although virtual machines have the capacity to share components with real computers, virtual machines are still isolated from one another in the same way that real computers are isolated ("What is a Virtual Machine?"). For intance if there are three virtual machines on an actual server and one macine is experiencing problems, the users will still have access to the other two machines that are on the server ("What is a Virtual Machine?"). The article further explains that the advantage provided by such isolation is why the accessibility and security of applications avaliable through a virtual machine exceed applications running through a conventional platform.

The final advantage of virtual machines is encapsulation. Because a virtual machine basically provides a vessel in which the software can be kept it actually "encapsulates" an operating system along with an entire set of virtual hardware resources, inside a software package ("What is a Virtual Machine?"). As such virtual machines are easy to move about and manage. For instance a virtual machine can be moved and copied in the same manner as regular software files. A virtual machine can also be saved "on any standard data storage medium, from a pocket-sized USB flash memory card to an enterprise storage area networks (SANs) ("What is a Virtual Machine?")."

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...").