What is virtualization? How can virtualization be done? What are the advantages of virtualization?

Virtualization is a technology that allows you to create multiple simulated environments or dedicated resources from a single, physical hardware system. It enables you to run multiple operating systems and applications on the same machine at the same time.

Virtualization can be done in several ways:

1. Server Virtualization: It involves partitioning a physical server into smaller virtual servers. Each virtual server runs its own operating system and applications, and is isolated from the other virtual environments.

2. Network Virtualization: It involves splitting available bandwidth into independent channels that can be assigned to specific servers or devices.

3. Storage Virtualization: It involves pooling physical storage from multiple network storage devices into what appears to be a single storage device.

4. Application Virtualization: It involves separating applications from the hardware and the operating system, placing them in a container that can be moved from one environment to another.

5. Desktop Virtualization: It involves hosting a desktop operating system within a virtual machine running on a centralized server.

The advantages of virtualization include:

1. Cost Savings: Virtualization reduces the need for physical hardware systems. Fewer hardware systems mean reduced maintenance and electricity costs.

2. Efficiency: Virtualization can boost the efficiency of IT operations and speed up workload deployment.

3. Scalability: Virtualization allows businesses to easily scale up or down as their needs change.

4. Increased Productivity: It allows IT teams to quickly create and deliver resources to where they’re needed.

5. Disaster Recovery: Virtualization can make disaster recovery easier because your entire system, including the OS, applications, patches, and data, can be saved and backed up.