The new Information Technology Frontier

What is virtualisation?

• A host computer running isolated guest operating systems \ applications
• A Virtual Machine (VM) is a representation of a physical machine by software
• VM can work independently of the host architecture

Virtual Machine BIOS settings arrange resources available for the Virtual Machine. Eg Memory available, location in disk of VM, network card to use. You can set minimum and maximum CPU allocation allowed.
The same VM can run on a laptop, server, desktop (any brand or model above minimum specifications)

Why Virtual?

• Use hardware efficiently
• Save electricity at the server / UPS / cooling system
• Set up new computer projects quickly
• Run development systems up off-line on desktop PC
• Save money on yearly hardware budgets
• Save space in computer room
• Less network hardware required

Virtual Machines can be networked without wires internally.

Who is involved?

• Linux and Xen project
• Microsoft and Virtual PC software
• VMWARE and multiple software systems
• Apple has visualisation built into OSX Leopard
• Sun Systems

Where is the industry heading?

• Future server buying trends are forecasting virtualisation will reduce need
• Green IT is becoming a hot issue
• The ability to perform constantly more with the same hardware suits virtualisation