Virtualisation
Virtualisation is computing technology that simulates physical hardware functionality to create software-based IT services like applications, servers, storage, and networks. By creating a virtual version of a resource or device (such as a desktop computer) from one computer system, virtualisation enables companies to reduce hardware costs and increase efficiency.
Virtualisation creates several virtual machines (VMs) from one physical machine using software called a hypervisor. Because virtual machines perform just like physical machines while only relying on the resources of one computer system, virtualisation allows IT organisations to run multiple operating systems on a single server (also known as a host). During these operations, the hypervisor allocates computing resources to each virtual computer as needed. This flexible resource allocation makes IT operations much more efficient and cost-effective, and has made virtualisation the foundation of cloud computing.
Benefits Of Virtualisation?
- Reduced capital and operating costs.
- Minimised or eliminated downtime.
- Increased IT productivity, efficiency, agility and responsiveness.
- Faster provisioning of applications and resources.
- Greater business continuity and disaster recovery.
- Simplified data centre management.
- Availability of a true Software-Defined Data Centre.
Types Of Virtualisation
Server Virtualisation
Server virtualisation enables multiple operating systems to run on a single physical server as highly efficient virtual machines. Key benefits include greater IT efficiencies, reduced operating costs, faster workload deployment, increased application performance, higher server availability, eliminated server sprawl and complexity.
Network Virtualisation
By completely reproducing a physical network, network virtualisation allows applications to run on a virtual network as if they were running on a physical network — but with greater operational benefits and all the hardware independencies of virtualisation. Network virtualisation presents logical networking devices and services — logical ports, switches, routers, firewalls, load balancers, VPNs and more — to connected workloads.
Desktop And App Virtualisation
Deploying desktops as a managed service enables IT organisations to respond faster to changing workplace needs and emerging opportunities. Virtualised desktops and applications can also be quickly and easily delivered to branch offices, outsourced and offshore employees, and mobile workers using iPad and Android tablets.
Virtualisation vs. Cloud Computing
Although equally buzz-worthy technologies, virtualisation and cloud computing are not interchangeable. Virtualisation is software that makes computing environments independent of physical infrastructure, while cloud computing is a service that delivers shared computing resources (software and/or data) on demand via the Internet. As complementary solutions, organisations can begin by virtualising their servers and then moving to cloud computing for even greater agility and self-service.
Citrix
The virtual app and desktop solution is designed for an exceptional experience. But what are Citrix DaaS and VDI solutions? Citrix DaaS and VDI solutions empower companies to deploy secure, remote apps and desktops to users at scale—while providing a great experience and simplifying IT management.
Today’s employees spend more time than ever working remotely, causing companies to rethink how IT services should be delivered. To modernise infrastructure and maximise efficiency, many are turning to desktop as a service (DaaS) to enhance their physical desktop strategy, or they are updating on-premises virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) deployments. Managed in the cloud, these deployments are high-performance virtual instances of desktops and apps that can be delivered from any data centre or public cloud provider.
DaaS and VDI capabilities provide corporate data protection as well as an easily accessible hybrid work solution for employees. Because all data is stored securely in the cloud or data centre, rather than on devices, end-users can work securely from anywhere, on any device, and over any network—all with a fully IT-provided experience. IT also gains the benefit of centralised management, so they can scale their environments quickly and easily. By separating endpoints and corporate data, resources stay protected even if the devices are compromised.
As a leading DaaS and VDI provider, Citrix provides the capabilities organisations need for deploying virtual apps and desktops to reduce downtime, increase security, and alleviate the many challenges associated with traditional desktop management.
What is Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops—and what makes it unique?
Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops is an innovative platform that allows companies to securely deliver DaaS and VDI apps and desktops to any device, over any network. Deployed from the cloud for maximum flexibility, it supports hybrid environments with a mixture of public clouds, private clouds or on-premises data centres—making the solution an ideal fit for even highly regulated industries like healthcare, government and finance.
For companies that want the most hands-off experience, turnkey DaaS options make it easy to fully offload infrastructure and maintenance. Desktops can be provisioned to tens or thousands of users with just a few clicks. No matter how they’re deployed, applications and desktops act just like they would if they were running on employees’ actual PCs, and look the same whether they’re being accessed from Windows, Mac or mobile devices.
As a leading VDI provider for decades, Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops is one of the industry’s most trusted solutions. Innovative HDX technology ensures voice and video stay crystal clear even in the presence of packet loss, congestion, high-latency and jitter that’s commonly experienced with broadband wireless and mobile networks. There’s no need for additional infrastructure investments, and IT is equipped with a single master instance of desktops where the right level of secure access can be provided to each user.
Microsoft
Hyper-V is Microsoft’s hardware virtualisation product. It lets you create and run a software version of a computer, called a virtual machine. Each virtual machine acts like a complete computer, running an operating system and programs. When you need computing resources, virtual machines give you more flexibility, help save time and money, and are a more efficient way to use hardware than just running one operating system on physical hardware.
Hyper-V runs each virtual machine in its own isolated space, which means you can run more than one virtual machine on the same hardware at the same time. You might want to do this to avoid problems such as a crash affecting the other workloads, or to give different people, groups or services access to different systems.
Hyper-V can help you:
- Establish or expand a private cloud environment. Provide more flexible, on-demand IT services by moving to or expanding your use of shared resources and adjust utilisation as demand changes.
- Use your hardware more effectively. Consolidate servers and workloads onto fewer, more powerful physical computers to use less power and physical space.
- Improve business continuity. Minimise the impact of both scheduled and unscheduled downtime of your workloads.
- Establish or expand a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). Using a centralised desktop strategy with VDI can help you increase business agility and data security, as well as simplify regulatory compliance and manage desktop operating systems and applications. Deploy Hyper-V and Remote Desktop Virtualisation Host (RD Virtualisation Host) on the same server to make personal virtual desktops or virtual desktop pools available to your users.
- Make development and test more efficient. Reproduce different computing environments without having to buy or maintain all the hardware you’d need if you only used physical systems.
VMWARE
Take control of your multi-cloud environment with VMware Cross-Cloud services—an integrated portfolio of SaaS solutions to build, run, manage, and secure all your apps across clouds. Unlock new levels of innovation, put your organisation on a faster path to growth with an integrated portfolio of SaaS solutions that unlock the business benefits of using multiple clouds.
Modernise Your App Portfolio
Accelerate your enterprise application initiatives. Build and deliver cloud-native apps faster and modernise existing applications while simplifying operations across any cloud.
Manage Your Cloud Environments
Operate apps, infrastructure, and platform services with consistency and greater control. Optimise management, performance, and cost of your private, hybrid, and public cloud environments.
Secure Everything across Clouds
Implement a consistent end-to-end Zero Trust security posture that safeguards all applications across clouds. Secure application access between every user and edge device.