Green IT Server virtualization

'Virtualization’ is a broad term that refers to the abstraction of computer resources. Virtualization, also sometimes referred to as server consolidation, is the concept of one physical computer servicing several applications and allowing each to use the same underlying hardware without interference with one another. Virtualization allows for different applications to have sufficient hardware resources - central processor units, memory and I/O, the essential physical resources to run an application. Virtualization also lets you host multiple operating systems on the same hardware. The general idea is analogous to time sharing – each application has shared use of the hardware.

 

Source:  YouTube Server Virtulization

Virtualization is the perfect solution for applications that are meant for small- to medium-scale usage. Virtualization reduced power consumption and need for cooling.While the power consumption and heat output of a system with high levels of utilization will be greater than that of a system under a lesser load, the consolidation of multiple low-load systems should still produce less heat and demand less power over all. Data centers are finding it increasingly more difficult to keep up with demand for power at the rack and the cooling demand which comes with increased power consumption.

 

Figure 3 Sever Virtualization

Source: VMWare.com

Figure 4:

Virtualizing Servers Can Cut Energy & Capital Costs

Source: BC Hydro

Reference:

George Ou ( May 22, 2006) Introduction to server virtualization from http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-6074941.html

Jonathan Strickland How Server Virtualization Works from http://communication.howstuffworks.com/server-virtualization.htm

Jamie Johnson(November 12, 2008) Server Virtualization Simplified from http://www.greenittools.com/article/server-virtualization-simplified