UNIT II SERVER AND DESKTOP VIRTUALIZATION

Virtual machine basics- Types of virtual machines- Understanding Server Virtualization-

types of server virtualization- Business Cases for Server Virtualization – Uses of Virtual
Server Consolidation – Selecting Server Virtualization Platform-Desktop Virtualization-
Types of Desktop Virtualization

Virtual Machine is like fake computer system operating on your hardware. It partially uses
the hardware of your system (like CPU, RAM, disk space, etc.) but its space is completely
separated from your main system. Two virtual machines don’t interrupt in each other’s
working and functioning nor they can access each other’s space which gives an illusion that
we are using totally different hardware system. More detail at Virtual Machine.

Question : Is there any limit to no. of virtual machines one can install?
Answer – In general there is no limit because it depends on the hardware of your
system. As the VM is using hardware of your system, if it goes out of it’s capacity
then it will limit you not to install further virtual machines.
Question : Can one access the files of one VM from another?
Answer – In general No, but as an advanced hardware feature, we can allow the file-
sharing for different virtual machines.

Types of Virtual Machines : You can classify virtual machines into two types:
A virtualization layer is added between the hardware and operating system. This
virtualization layer allows multiple operating system instances to run concurrently
within virtual machines on a single computer, dynamically partitioning and sharing the
available physical resources such as CPU, storage, memory and I/O devices.

1. System Virtual Machine: These types of virtual machines gives us complete system
platform and gives the execution of the complete virtual operating system. Just like virtual
box, system virtual machine is providing an environment for an OS to be installed
completely. We can see in below image that our hardware of Real Machine is being
distributed between two simulated operating systems by Virtual machine monitor. And then
some programs, processes are going on in that distributed hardware of simulated machines
separately.
 2. Process Virtual Machine : While process virtual machines, unlike system virtual
machine, does not provide us with the facility to install the virtual operating system
completely. Rather it creates virtual environment of that OS while using some app or
program and this environment will be destroyed as soon as we exit from that app. Like in
below image, there are some apps running on main OS as well some virtual machines are
created to run other apps. This shows that as those programs required different OS, process
virtual machine provided them with that for the time being those programs are
running. Example – Wine software in Linux helps to run Windows applications.

What is Server Virtualization?

Server virtualization is used to mask server resources from server users. This can include
the number and identity of operating systems, processors, and individual physical servers.
Server Virtualization Definition
Server virtualization is the process of dividing a physical server into multiple unique and
isolated virtual servers by means of a software application. Each virtual server can run its
own operating systems independently.
Key Benefits of Server Virtualization:
 Higher server ability
 Cheaper operating costs
 Eliminate server complexity
 Increased application performance
 Deploy workload quicker
Three Kinds of Server Virtualization:

 Full Virtualization: Full virtualization uses a hypervisor , a type of software that directly
communicates with a physical server's disk space and CPU. The hypervisor monitors the
physical server's resources and keeps each virtual server independent and unaware of the
other virtual servers. It also relays resources from the physical server to the correct virtual
server as it runs applications. The biggest limitation of using full virtualization is that a
hypervisor has its own processing needs. This can slow down applications and impact server
performance.
 Para-Virtualization: Unlike full virtualization, para-virtualization involves the entire
network working together as a cohesive unit. Since each operating system on the virtual
servers is aware of one another in para-virtualization, the hypervisor does not need to use as
much processing power to manage the operating systems.


 OS-Level Virtualization: Unlike full and para-virtualization, OS-level visualization does not
use a hypervisor. Instead, the virtualization capability, which is part of the physical server
operating system, performs all the tasks of a hypervisor. However, all the virtual servers must
run that same operating system in this server virtualization method.


Why Server Virtualization?
Server virtualization is a cost-effective way to provide web hosting services and effectively
utilize existing resources in IT infrastructure. Without server virtualization, servers only use a
small part of their processing power. This results in servers sitting idle because the workload
is distributed to only a portion of the network’s servers. Data centers become overcrowded
with underutilized servers, causing a waste of resources and power.
By having each physical server divided into multiple virtual servers, server virtualization
allows each virtual server to act as a unique physical device. Each virtual server can run its
own applications and operating system. This process increases the utilization of resources by
making each virtual server act as a physical server and increases the capacity of each physical
machine.
What to Consider for Server Virtualization
Server virtualization is a promising method that can maximize the use of IT resources – that’s
why tech giants like Microsoft, Dell, and IBM are continuously developing this technology.
However, before picking the optimal virtualization for a business, it’s important to determine
their benefits and disadvantages first.
Pros Cons

It can support different and To prevent the slowing down of applications,

Full
unmodified operating systems on you will need to allocate a big part of the
Virtualization
one physical server. physical server’s processor for the hypervisor.

Para-Virtualized servers don’t The operating system of guest servers needs

Para-
need as much space for processing modification to be able to communicate
virtualization
in the physical server. hypercalls with the host.

It does not need a hypervisor,

To build a homogenous environment, you are
OS-Level therefore no additional space
required to install the same operating system
Virtualization requirement needed for
on all guest servers.
processing.
Aside from the virtualization method, you should also consider the following factors before
settling on a specific type:
1. OS Rebooting – Operating system rebooting is typically overlooked because OS are
expected to work all the time. However, there is still a small risk of OS crashes. If this
happens, an independent OS reboot must be possible.
2. Deployment Work – While the type 2 hypervisor is easy to implement, it’s not the
same case for type 1 hypervisor. The bare-metal hypervisor is much more difficult to
handle than the former, so a thorough integration process is needed – especially for
large deployments.
3. Multiprocessing – Before selecting the virtualization solution, check first it includes
symmetric multiprocessing support (SMP) for multiple processors of the same type or
asymmetric multiprocessing support (AMP) for multiple processors of a different
type. Some virtualization infrastructures also come with both SMP and AMP
combined.
Server Virtualization and Consolidation
 Reduce IT costs with server virtualization and consolidation. Eliminate over-
provisioning, increase server utilization, centralize server management.
  Reduce IT Costs and Increase Control with Server Virtualization
 Eliminate over-provisioning, increase server utilization and limit the environmental
impact of IT by consolidating your server hardware with VMware vSphere with
Operations Management*, VMware's virtualization platform.
Server consolidation lets your organization:
 Reduce hardware and operating costs by as much as 50 percent and energy costs by as much
as 80 percent, saving more than $3,000 per year for each virtualized server workload.
 Reduce the time it takes to provision new servers by as much as 70 percent.
 Decrease downtime and improve reliability with business continuity and built-in disaster
recovery.
 Deliver IT services on demand, independent of hardware, operating systems, applications or
infrastructure providers.
*End of Availability of vSphere with Operations Management Enterprise Plus is February 1,
2019
Reduce Server Costs with Desktop and Server Virtualization
By consolidating your server hardware with vSphere with Operations Management, your
organization can increase existing hardware utilization from as low as 5 percent to as much as
80 percent. You can also reduce energy consumption by decreasing the number of servers in
your data center. VMware server virtualization can reduce hardware requirements by a 15:1
ratio, enabling you to lessen the environmental impact of your organization's IT without
sacrificing reliability or service levels. Server and desktop hardware consolidation can also
help you achieve a 20 to 30 percent lower cost per application, as well as defer data center
construction costs by $1,000 per square foot. vSphere with Operations Management allows
for a 50 to 70 percent higher virtual machine density per host than commodity offerings.
Centralize Management of Your Virtual Data Center
Unlike vendors that only offer single-point solutions for server virtualization, VMware lets
you manage an entire virtual data center from a single point of control. With vSphere with
Operations Management, you can monitor health, manage resources, and plan for the data
center growth all from a unified dashboard.
Automate the Virtual Data Center
An automated virtual data center can simplify management while simultaneously delivering
performance, scalability and availability levels that are impossible with physical
infrastructure. The vSphere with Operations Management platform enables your organization
to minimize downtime, enable dynamic, policy-based allocation of IT resources and
eliminate repetitive configuration and maintenance tasks.
Server Consolidation in Cloud Computing
Server consolidation in cloud computing refers to the process of combining multiple servers
into a single, more powerful server or cluster of servers. This can be done in order to
improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the cloud computing environment. Server
consolidation is typically achieved through the use of virtualization technology, which
allows multiple virtual servers to run on a single physical server. This allows for better
utilization of resources, as well as improved scalability and flexibility. It also allows
organizations to reduce the number of physical servers they need to maintain, which can
lead to cost savings on hardware, power, and cooling.
The Architecture of Server Consolidation
As shown in the graphical representation of Server Consolidation basic Architecture
diagram below, multiple physical servers are consolidated into a fewer number of powerful
servers using virtualization. This process results in the creation of logical servers which are
isolated from one another and have their own operating systems and applications, but share
the same physical resources such as CPU, RAM, and storage.

Physical Servers, Virtualization Software, and Virtual Servers make up the three primary
parts of the server consolidation architecture.
 Physical Servers: The server consolidation environment’s hardware consists of
physical servers. These servers are usually powerful machines with high processing
speeds that are built to manage massive volumes of data. They are utilized to run virtual
servers and host virtualization software.
 Virtualization: A single physical server can run several virtual servers thanks to
virtualization software. Multiple virtual servers can share the resources of a single
physical server thanks to the software’s creation of an abstraction layer between the real
hardware and virtual servers.
 Virtual Servers: Physical servers are virtualized into virtual servers. They run on top
of the physical servers and are produced and controlled by the virtualization software.
Each virtual server can execute its own programs and services and is a separate instance
of an operating system.
Server consolidation creates virtual servers that share the resources of the physical servers
by fusing a number of physical servers into a single virtualized environment utilizing
virtualization software. This makes it possible to use resources more effectively and save
money. Additionally, it makes it simple to manage existing servers, set up new ones, and
scale resources up or down as necessary.
Types of Server Consolidation
1. Logical Consolidation: In logical server consolidation, multiple virtual servers are
consolidated onto a single physical server. Each virtual server is isolated from the
others and has its own operating system and applications, but shares the same physical
resources such as CPU, RAM, and storage. This allows organizations to run multiple
virtual servers on a single physical server, which can lead to significant cost savings
and improved performance. Virtual servers can be easily added or removed as needed,
which allows organizations to more easily adjust to changing business needs.
2. Physical Consolidation: Physical Consolidation is a type of server consolidation in
which multiple physical servers are consolidated into a single, more powerful server or
cluster of servers. This can be done by replacing multiple older servers with newer,
more powerful servers, or by adding additional resources such as memory and storage
to existing servers. Physical consolidation can help organizations to improve the
performance and efficiency of their cloud computing environment.
3. Rationalized Consolidation: Rationalized consolidation is a type of server
consolidation in which multiple servers are consolidated based on their workloads. This
process involves identifying and grouping servers based on the applications and
services they are running and then consolidating them onto fewer, more powerful
servers or clusters. The goal of rationalized consolidation is to improve the efficiency
and cost-effectiveness of the cloud computing environment by consolidating servers
that are running similar workloads.
How to Perform Server Consolidation?
Server consolidation in cloud computing typically involves several steps, including:
1. Assessing the Current Environment: The first step in server consolidation is to assess
the current environment to determine which servers are running similar workloads and
which ones are underutilized or over-utilized. This can be done by analyzing the usage
patterns and resource utilization of each server.
2. Identifying and Grouping Servers: Once the current environment has been assessed,
the next step is to identify and group servers based on their workloads. This can help to
identify servers that are running similar workloads and can be consolidated onto fewer,
more powerful servers or clusters.
3. Planning the Consolidation: After identifying and grouping servers, the next step is to
plan the consolidation. This involves determining the best way to consolidate the
servers, such as using virtualization technology, cloud management platforms, or
physical consolidation. It also involves determining the resources required to support
the consolidated servers, such as CPU, RAM, and storage.
4. Testing and Validation: Before consolidating the servers, it is important to test and
validate the consolidation plan to ensure that it will meet the organization’s needs and
that the servers will continue to function as expected.
5. Consolidating the Servers: Once the plan has been tested and validated, the servers
can be consolidated. This typically involves shutting down the servers to be
consolidated, migrating their workloads to the consolidated servers, and then bringing
the servers back online.
6. Monitoring and Maintenance: After the servers have been consolidated, it is
important to monitor the consolidated servers to ensure that they are performing as
expected and to identify any potential issues. Regular maintenance should also be
performed to keep the servers running smoothly.
7. Optimizing the Consolidated Environment: To keep the consolidated environment
optimal, it’s important to regularly evaluate the usage patterns and resource utilization
of the consolidated servers, and make adjustments as needed.
Benefits of Server Consolidation
Server consolidation in cloud computing can provide a number of benefits, including:
 Cost savings: By consolidating servers, organizations can reduce the number of
physical servers they need to maintain, which can lead to cost savings on hardware,
power, and cooling.
 Improved performance: Consolidating servers can also improve the performance of
the cloud computing environment. By using virtualization technology, multiple virtual
servers can run on a single physical server, which allows for better utilization of
resources. This can lead to faster processing times and better overall performance.
 Scalability and flexibility: Server consolidation can also improve the scalability and
flexibility of the cloud environment. By using virtualization technology, organizations
can easily add or remove virtual servers as needed, which allows them to more easily
adjust to changing business needs.
 Management simplicity: Managing multiple servers can be complex and time-
consuming. Consolidating servers can help to reduce the complexity of managing
multiple servers, by providing a single point of management. This can help
organizations to reduce the effort and costs associated with managing multiple servers.
 Better utilization of resources: By consolidating servers, organizations can improve
the utilization of resources, which can lead to better performance and cost savings.
Server consolidation in cloud computing is a process of combining multiple servers into a
single, more powerful server or cluster of servers, in order to improve the efficiency and
cost-effectiveness of the cloud computing environment.

How to choose a virtualization platform

What is a virtualization platform?

A virtualization platform is a solution for managing virtual machines (VMs), enabling an IT
organization to support isolated computing environments that share a pool of hardware
resources.
Organizations use VMs for a variety of reasons, including to efficiently manage many
different kinds of computing environments, to support older operating systems and software,
and to run test environments. A virtualization platform brings together all the technologies
needed to support and manage large numbers of VMs.
VM platforms continue to evolve, prompting some enterprises to explore new virtualization
providers. A clear understanding of virtualization concepts can help inform these choices.

Open source or proprietary technology

Open source software, such as the KVM virtualization technology built into Linux® and
the Kubernetes-based KubeVirt project, rely on community contributions and open standards.
One benefit to open source software, besides its transparency, is cross-platform
compatibility. Open standards and open application programming interfaces (APIs) lead to
flexible integration, making it possible to run virtual environments across different datacenter
and cloud infrastructures.
Conversely, proprietary technology can make it challenging to integrate with other
technologies and harder to switch vendors.
Container and cloud compatibility

Modern IT organizations need to support both VMs and containers. Containers group
together just what’s needed to run a single application or service and tend to be smaller than
VMs, making them lightweight and portable. Containers and VMs may need to operate
seamlessly across hybrid and multicloud environments.
Faced with all this complexity, IT organizations seek to simplify their application
development and deployment pipelines. A platform should support both containers and VMs
and help teams use computing resources efficiently, and ensure applications and services roll
out in an orderly, consistent way.
Traditional virtualization platforms can be separate from container platforms. Sometimes
they are meant to work in a single environment, rather than across multiple cloud
environments.
More modern virtualization platforms act as components of unified platforms that work
across different infrastructure, including on premise and cloud environments. This approach
can streamline deployment, management and monitoring of both VMs and containers. A
unified platform can eliminate duplicate work and improve flexibility, making it easier to
adapt to changes.
What to look for in a virtualization platform
Equipped with an understanding of virtualization concepts, you’ll want to list your
requirements for a virtualization platform and evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of
different choices in the marketplace. Your research should include important qualities like
costs and support levels, as well as features specific to virtualization platforms. Here are a
few such features to look for.
Ease of migration
When moving from one virtualization platform to another, administrators will seek to avoid
disruptions, incompatibilities, and degraded performance. Virtualization platforms can have
different deployment and management processes, and different tooling, especially across
different cloud providers.
Preparation can help avoid many migration pitfalls. Using tested and effective toolkits to
preemptively validate VM compatibility and move multiple VMs at once can help migrations
go quickly and smoothly.

What is desktop virtualization?

Desktop virtualization is an innovative technology that detaches the desktop environment,
including the operating system, applications, and data, from the physical machine. When the
tools are detached from the machine itself, it allows for a highly flexible and accessible
computing system where the user's desktop is hosted on a server and can be accessed from
anywhere.
In the realm of computing, the concept of desktop virtualization serves as a bridge between
the traditional, physical constraints of hardware and the limitless potential of digital
workspaces. It mirrors the shift in our perception and use of computers and empowers users
to access their personal desktop space remotely, providing flexibility and mobility unheard of
in the traditional computing model.
We are no longer tied to a single location or device. Instead, we embrace the freedom to
work, learn, and interact in a digital space that moves with us. Desktop virtualization
represents a significant leap towards more agile, resilient, and user-centric computing models,
breaking down the barriers imposed by traditional IT infrastructure.
How does it work?
At its core, desktop virtualization operates by hosting a desktop operating system on a
centralized server. This setup allows multiple users to access their own virtualized desktop
instances simultaneously. When a user logs in, they're connected to their desktop instance
running on the server. This connection can be made through various devices—be it a
traditional PC, a thin client, a tablet, or a smartphone—offering a seamless computing
experience regardless of the hardware used.
This versatile solution works in two primary ways: local and remote.
Local desktop virtualization
With local desktop virtualization, the computer's operating system is run directly on a client
device, leveraging the local system resources. This approach is particularly suited for those
who do not require constant network connection and whose computing needs fit within the
local system capacity. When processing is done locally though, local desktop virtualization
doesn’t allow for sharing virtual machines (VMs) or external resources across a network
including mobile devices and thin clients.
Remote desktop virtualization
On the other hand, remote desktop virtualization shines in server-based environments. It
enables users to operate systems and applications housed within the secure confines of a
datacenter while engaging with them on personal devices like laptops or smartphones. This
setup offers IT teams the advantage of centralized management and allows organizations to
stretch their hardware investments by providing remote access to pooled computing power.
Types of desktop virtualization
There are two types of desktop virtualization, hosted and client.
Hosted virtualization
Hosted desktop virtualization involves hosting desktop environments on a central server or in
the cloud. This category can be broken down into several types:
 Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) makes desktops and applications an on-
demand service, allowing access anytime and anywhere. With virtual desktop
infrastructure, each user receives a dedicated desktop instance on the server, which
frees them up to use any device to access their instance. This method offers a high
degree of personalization and performance but requires significant server resources.
 Remote desktop services (RDS) enables multiple users to access a shared desktop
and applications from a remote server. With RDI, multiple users share a single
operating system instance, optimizing resource use but offering less personalization.
 Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) delivers hosted desktop services from a third party.
With desktop-as-a-service, organizations can give employees anytime-anywhere
access to personalized desktops from virtually any device. This cloud-based
service shifts the burden of managing the backend responsibilities of data storage,
backup, security, and upgrades to the provider. DaaS offers scalability and flexibility
as hybrid environments are increasingly common, making it an attractive option for
small to medium-sized businesses.
Client virtualization
The other type of desktop virtualization, client virtualization, brings a different approach,
focusing on running the virtualization technology directly on the user's device. This category
can be separated into two types:
 Presentation virtualization separates the application layer from the graphical user
interface, displaying the application on the user's device while it runs on a server. It
can support resource efficiency and management and is useful in settings where many
users need to access a standardized set of applications and where the central control
and management of these applications are critical.
 Application virtualization separates an application from the underlying computer
hardware it is stored on. With application visualization, applications are allowed to
run without being directly installed on the operating system. This method simplifies
application deployment and management and is useful in settings where apps need to
be accessed remotely on varied devices.
What are the benefits of desktop virtualization?
Desktop virtualization offers numerous benefits especially as the nature of work
environments and data management continues to evolve and change:
 Enhanced security - Storing business critical data within a datacenter enhances
security because it eliminates the risks associated with data that is stored on local
devices. With data and applications stored in secure datacenters, the risk of data theft
from lost or stolen devices is minimized. Furthermore, desktop virtualization allows
for better control over access to sensitive information, as data never leaves the
datacenter and can be quickly wiped from devices if an employee leaves the company.
 Simplified management and workflows - IT departments can manage and update
desktops and permissions centrally, reducing the complexity and cost of desktop
management. Desktop personalization eliminates the need for manually setting new
 desktops for each user, since IT can easily deploy a packaged virtual desktop to the
user’s device. The process for updating across devices is much less involved for IT
teams when application and operating systems data is stored in centralized locations,
instead of on individual users’ machines.
 Cost savings and resource management - Organizations can save on hardware costs
by extending the lifecycle of older devices and reducing the need for expensive client
hardware and upgrades. When users’ machines no longer need to do all the computing
internally, companies can save money on device capabilities with more affordable
machines. From a people ops perspective, centralizing desktop management can
significantly reduce IT overhead and bolster revenue margins.
 Flexibility and streamlined experience - Users can access their desktops and
applications from any device, anywhere, at any time. The ability to access your
personalized computer from anywhere and using any device, one of the most tangible
benefits for end-users, is a game-changer for remote work, education, and even
personal computing. This flexibility improves employee experience and affords new
possibilities for how and where people can work.
What challenges come with employing desktop virtualization?
Despite its many benefits, desktop virtualization also presents a few challenges.
 High touch engagement - The infrastructure required for desktop virtualization can
be complex to set up and manage. The initial setup and ongoing management of
desktop virtualization requires a deep understanding of both the technology and the
specific needs of the organization.
 Performance issues - Ensuring high performance and low latency can be difficult,
especially over wide-area networks. Graphics-intensive applications or usage in low-
bandwidth environments can frustrate users and hamper productivity.
 Upfront cost - The cost of implementing a desktop virtualization solution can also be
a barrier. While there are long-term savings to be had, the upfront investment in
server hardware, software licensing fees, and network infrastructure can be
significant.
 Ongoing complexity - Navigating the complex licensing agreements for virtualized
desktops can be a challenge for some IT departments.
Considering the various challenges of desktop virtualization allows teams to implement
strategies and plans for successfully mitigating and overcoming them.
Use cases
Desktop virtualization is highly versatile, catering to several use cases:
 Remote work - Facilitates secure and efficient remote access to work environments.
In today’s world of hybrid and remote roles, it allows employees to access their work
environment securely from anywhere.
 Education - Provides students access to learning resources from any device. Desktop
virtualization enables the virtualization of computer labs, providing students with
access to specialized software without the need for high-end personal computers.
 Healthcare – Ensures critical information is always available for key staff at
healthcare institutions. Doctors and staff can access patient records and applications
securely and efficiently, from any location.
Desktop virtualization shines across industries in any scenario where flexibility, security, and
management are paramount.
Desktop virtualization and the cloud
The convergence of desktop virtualization and cloud computing is perhaps one of the most
exciting developments in IT. Cloud-hosted virtual desktops, or Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS),
reduce the need for on-premises infrastructure, making desktop virtualization more accessible
to smaller organizations without the resources to manage a complex IT environment.
The integration of desktop virtualization with cloud computing has expanded its capabilities
and accessibility. This integrated approach enhances scalability, as organizations can quickly
add or remove desktops based on current needs, paying only for what they use. Cloud-hosted
desktop virtualization supports business agility and the quick provisioning of resources.
Desktop virtualization software
Selecting the appropriate software is an important step in setting up a desktop virtualization
infrastructure, and the choice hinges on the specific virtualization path you want to pursue.
In the case of VDI, you'll find the desktop operating system, typically a version of Microsoft
Windows, running within the controlled environment of your datacenter. Here,
a hypervisor takes charge on the host server, facilitating each user's access to a virtual
machine via the network. Additionally, you'll employ connection broker software to manage
user authentication, establish connections to virtual machines, monitor engagement, and
reallocate resources once users log off. Depending on your setup, this connection broker
might come integrated with the hypervisor or need to be a standalone purchase.
For RDS or RDSH deployments, you can utilize the integrated features provided with the
Microsoft Windows Server operating system, which supports such server-based virtualization
natively.
Opting for a DaaS solution? Then you can leave the heavy lifting to the cloud-hosted service
provider. They'll handle the nuts and bolts—installing, configuring, and maintaining
everything from your applications and operating systems to your files and personal settings.
Whatever your virtualization path, there are many tools available to create, manage, and
deliver virtual desktops. They offer features to optimize performance, enhance security, and
simplify management, catering to the diverse needs of businesses and organizations as they
navigate the rapidly changing landscape of IT infrastructure and data management.