Cloud Technology and Virtualization
"Project Deliverable 4: Cloud Technology and Virtualization"
Christopher Nevels
Dr. Darcel Ford
CIS 590
11-24-13
Cloud Technology and Virtualization
There are many reasons companies and organizations are investing in server virtualization. Some of the reasons are financially motivated, while others address technical concerns. Server virtualization conserves space through consolidation. It's common practice to dedicate each server to a single application. If several applications only use a small amount of processing power, the network administrator can consolidate several machines into one server running multiple virtual environments. For companies that have hundreds or thousands of servers, the need for physical space can decrease significantly. Server virtualization provides a way for companies to practice redundancy without purchasing additional hardware. Redundancy refers to running the same application on multiple servers. It's a safety measure -- if a server fails for any reason, another server running the same application can take its place. This minimizes any interruption in service. It wouldn't make sense to build two virtual servers performing the same application on the same physical server. If the physical server were to crash, both virtual servers would also fail. In most cases, network administrators will create redundant virtual servers on different physical machines. Virtual servers offer programmers isolated, independent systems in which they can test new applications or operating systems. Rather than buying a dedicated physical machine, the network administrator can create a virtual server on an existing machine. Because each virtual server is independent in relation to all the other servers, programmers can run software without worrying about affecting other applications (Strickland 2013).
Cloud computing is ideal for small companies, as it’s cost-effective, saves time and energy, and it allows for a high level of customization. According to Forbes, a 2009 study found that cloud computing could save up to 67% of the lifecycle cost for server deployment on a large scale. Another study found that using cloud solutions generally results in higher investment returns (when compared to an on-site system). There are further cost saving benefits, such as less need for expensive hardware and software, and no need for physical networks or IT maintenance. Also, cloud systems are usually ‘pay-as-you-go’, so you only pay for what you use. There are no upfront investments, and IT requirements can be easily budgeted for. Also, various cloud services can either be added or scaled back, depending on where your business is, and how much growth is taking place. The cloud is also highly customizable: you can select what platform you want, which payroll software to use, and what email marketing tools you require – all from different vendors, and all individually configurable (K2 SEO 2013).
The c.
Cloud Technology and VirtualizationProject Deli.docx
1. Cloud Technology and Virtualization
"Project Deliverable 4: Cloud Technology and Virtualization"
Christopher Nevels
Dr. Darcel Ford
CIS 590
11-24-13
Cloud Technology and Virtualization
There are many reasons companies and organizations are
investing in server virtualization. Some of the reasons are
financially motivated, while others address technical concerns.
Server virtualization conserves space through consolidation. It's
common practice to dedicate each server to a single application.
If several applications only use a small amount of processing
power, the network administrator can consolidate several
machines into one server running multiple virtual environments.
For companies that have hundreds or thousands of servers, the
need for physical space can decrease significantly. Server
virtualization provides a way for companies to practice
redundancy without purchasing additional hardware.
2. Redundancy refers to running the same application on multiple
servers. It's a safety measure -- if a server fails for any reason,
another server running the same application can take its place.
This minimizes any interruption in service. It wouldn't make
sense to build two virtual servers performing the same
application on the same physical server. If the physical server
were to crash, both virtual servers would also fail. In most
cases, network administrators will create redundant virtual
servers on different physical machines. Virtual servers offer
programmers isolated, independent systems in which they can
test new applications or operating systems. Rather than buying a
dedicated physical machine, the network administrator can
create a virtual server on an existing machine. Because each
virtual server is independent in relation to all the other servers,
programmers can run software without worrying about affecting
other applications (Strickland 2013).
Cloud computing is ideal for small companies, as it’s cost-
effective, saves time and energy, and it allows for a high level
of customization. According to Forbes, a 2009 study found that
cloud computing could save up to 67% of the lifecycle cost for
server deployment on a large scale. Another study found that
using cloud solutions generally results in higher investment
returns (when compared to an on-site system). There are further
cost saving benefits, such as less need for expensive hardware
and software, and no need for physical networks or IT
maintenance. Also, cloud systems are usually ‘pay-as-you-go’,
so you only pay for what you use. There are no upfront
investments, and IT requirements can be easily budgeted for.
Also, various cloud services can either be added or scaled back,
depending on where your business is, and how much growth is
taking place. The cloud is also highly customizable: you can
select what platform you want, which payroll software to use,
and what email marketing tools you require – all from different
vendors, and all individually configurable (K2 SEO 2013).
The cloud transition is redefining the value of the IT function
and transforming the roles, objectives and purpose of the IT
3. workforce. This transition requires new responsibilities and
skills, including an increased focus on supplier management,
business requirements and customer needs. It also requires
organizational structures that align with a technology model in
which systems, applications and data are now located in the
cloud and, in many cases, are operated and managed by a third
party. The rise of cloud may lead to reductions in staffing levels
for in-house IT, especially for lower-value activities that are
being commoditized by cloud. The move to the cloud, along
with trends in social media and mobile computing, is also
changing how entire businesses are organized, blurring
geographic and physical boundaries. People can now operate as
part of a cohesive unit while working from the field, from
home, or from halfway around the world. Importantly, a cloud-
based technology model also puts daily IT decision-making in
the hands of end users, giving business leaders and managers
more autonomy and influence over the systems, processes and
data they use daily (Deloitte 2012). Employee engagement
becomes even more important as cloud technology changes how
we use IT. More information becomes available to employees
lower in the organization, allowing these employees to have
more ability to drive decision-making. The pace of business
change demands more delegation of key decisions, and IT and
finance must work together to provide the right information to
key employees.
A dynamic business environment relies on a flexible and
responsive IT infrastructure to deliver cost-effective, reliable,
and secure access to services in order to create and maintain
competitive advantage. Use of virtualization technologies
provides many of these benefits and with application workloads
operating in a virtualized IT environment, the business value of
virtualization technologies has been proven across all
industries. Converging IT infrastructure and creating an
adaptable technology environment able to support a variety of
workloads is one of the best ways to overcome many of these
challenges. Built on HP best practices and industry standards,
4. the new HP Virtual System VS3 for VMware provides a
flexible, efficient, and reliable application deployment platform
on HP Converged Infrastructure, optimized and integrated for a
scalable virtualized environment and an open on-ramp to the
cloud. HP Virtual System VS3 for VMware 2.2 is a turnkey
system of hardware, software, and services, optimized for
virtualized and cloud application workloads to deliver fast, low
risk deployment. The system is based on a common technology
platform that provides extensive configuration flexibility across
compute and storage components in order to meet a broad
spectrum of your requirements. The system is based on a
common architecture of HP Converged Infrastructure that
delivers new levels of flexibility in the configuration of
compute and storage components. Expansion is made easy by
simply scaling out the system with additional compute and
storage nodes as your needs arise. HP Virtual System VS3 for
VMware 2.2 is built on the latest HP Converged Infrastructure
and VMware components pre-integrated in the HP factory based
on extensively tested configuration guidelines by HP Factory
Express. Included installation and start services quickly get the
system up and running to peak performance, reducing the risk of
disruption to the existing environment. HP Virtual System VS3
for VMware extends to the cloud with a clear upgrade path to
HP Matrix Operating Environment (MOE) or to the VMware
vCloud Suite. It can optionally be ordered with vCloud Suite for
immediate support of VMware-based cloud deployments. HP
3PAR StoreServ storage and software platforms support
multiple levels of integration with vSphere, providing a
doubling of VM density to improve performance and scalability.
Thin provisioning features reduce capacity requirements up to
50%. HP Insight Control for VMware vCenter Server integrates
the manageability features of HP Converged Infrastructure
products into the VMware vCenter management and monitoring
console. This combination provides administrators increased
control and insight, inclusive of the HP VirtualSystem VS3 for
VMware, from a single pane of glass. HP Virtual Connect
5. together with HP’s Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF)
enables flatter, low-latency networks, resulting in up to 39%
faster transfer times for VMs using VMware vMotion.
Personalized and Proactive–HP offers Proactive Care with
Personalized Support Option and Proactive Select to support the
complete solution, including HP hardware, software and
VMware software. The Personalized Support Option creates a
tailored support experience through the assignment of an
Account Services Manager (HP 2013).
References
Satzinger, J.W., Jackson, R., & Burd, S.D. (2009). Systems
analysis and design in a changing world (5th ed.). Cengage
Learning / Course Technology.
Shelly, Rosenblatt. (2012). Systems Analysis and Design (9th
ed.). Boston: Thomson Course Technology.
Lane, D. (2011). The chief information officer's body of
knowledge. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Stenzel, J. (2011). CIO best practices (2nd ed.). Hoboken, New
Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Jonathan Strickland (2013). How Stuff Works. Retrieved from:
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/server-virtualization1.htm
K2 SEO (2013). Why SMEs Should Use Cloud Technology.
Retrieved from: http://www.k2seo.com/why-smes-should-use-
cloud-technology/
Deloitte (2012). Human Capital: A ready partner in the Cloud.
Retrieved from: http://www.deloitte.com/assets/Dcom-
UnitedStates/Local%20Assets/Documents/us_consulting_HCPar
tnerintheCloud_050212.pdf
HP (2013). Virtualization to the cloud. Retrieved from:
http://h20195.www2.hp.com/V2/GetPDF.aspx/4AA3-
6558ENW.pdf