Allowing a single physical server to create multiple virtual servers, server virtualization technology extends the capabilities of a data center. By partitioning one physical server into several smaller virtual servers, server virtualization allows fully exploiting available server resources.

Virtual servers are capable of carrying out the identical tasks that physical servers perform. This can be accomplished by a virtual server without needing physical resources. Every virtual server carries out its functions without knowing of the other virtual servers functioning within the same hardware.

Server virtualization is often used in web servers because it can provide inexpensive web hosting services. Rather than using an individual computer for one web server, several dozen virtual servers can function together within the same computer.

One feature of server virtualization is the hiding or masking of the server’s resources from users. Software is utilized for the division of the physical server into several virtual environments, which are termed virtual or private servers. This is quite different from the dedication of a server to handle one task or application.

The use of server virtualization has become widespread due to the numerous advantages the technology can provide. For one, a virtual server can use its own operating system. It can be rebooted independent of other virtual servers running on the same machine. Costs are also reduced because server virtualization will result in less hardware requirements.

Precious data center space can also be conserved because server virtualization technology allows the consolidation of a number of machines into a single physical server that is deploying multiple virtual environments. Server virtualization maximizes resources, which will result in the reduction of operational expenses. To illustrate, running less physical servers decreases the need and expense of their maintenance, repair, and replacement.

Part 2 will discuss the Three Server Virtualization Types.

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