Cloud Computing Vs Virtualization, How are They Different?

Differentiating concepts such as “virtualization” and “cloud computing” can be difficult when you are not an expert.

As professionals in the sector, we are very clear about this, and we want to contribute our bit to help you better understand the difference between Cloud computing and Virtualization.

Virtualization and Cloud computing, are they the same?

The term “cloud” (Cloud) is increasingly present in our lives in the same way that implementing cloud technology solutions is increasingly common in companies. The generalization of its use is leading to confusion between its many specialities and other technologies, such as Virtualization, since, as solutions, they offer similar benefits. However, they are not substitutable or interchangeable services.

Then, it is clear: Virtualization and Cloud Computing are NOT the same.

What is Virtualization?

Virtualization is purely the creation, through certain software, of a virtual version of one or several technological resources. 

Through virtualization software, we can generate a virtual machine that allows us to run various operating systems and applications on the same server. This way, the computing service layer and the physical equipment are separated. Thus, deploying different machines on a single piece of hardware, virtualizing servers, desktops, storage or other systems is possible.

VMware or Hyper-V are some of the market’s most interesting virtualization software solutions. 

At the business level, Virtualization offers us very attractive benefits for our business, such as:

1. Reduction of IT operating costs (expenditure on equipment, physical space, consumption, etc.)
2. Improved software and application deployment agility
3. Improved performance, efficiency and flexibility of physical equipment (hardware)
4. Increased security makes it difficult for cybercriminals to access files and speeds up backup copies for possible restorations.

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing (or cloud computing) refers to the provision of data and information processing and storage services on remote servers via the Internet, which can be accessed from any online device.

Cloud computing allows access to the service hosted in the Cloud from anywhere through a device with an Internet connection. It reduces technological infrastructure costs since the same infrastructure supports providing services to multiple companies.

With cloud computing, any company can enjoy only the resources it needs, which provides flexibility, immediacy and adaptability.

How are Cloud computing and Virtualization different?

The differences between both disciplines, sometimes invisible to the inexperienced eye, are significant enough to affect the quality of the project to be implemented depending on the specific characteristics of each business.

The essential difference is that Virtualization is the infrastructure that supports Cloud computing, while Cloud computing provides shared services through virtualized environments. The Cloud is based on providing any service in a previously virtualized infrastructure development.

In other words, Cloud computing offers services over the Internet, while Virtualization is the tool used by Cloud computing to provide these services.

Virtualization and Cloud computing work together in many cases and digital transformation projects; however, as we have mentioned, they provide different services, as in the case of private clouds.

In short, Cloud computing and Virtualization optimise the performance and usefulness of available resources, reducing costs. Both practices allow you to enjoy “more for less” by maximizing existing resources.

Also Read: Cloud Security Risk