Virtualization
The process of creating a virtual version of physical hardware, storage, or network resources.
Description
In the AWS industry, virtualization refers to the technique of creating virtual instances of servers, storage devices, or network resources within the cloud environment. This technology allows multiple virtual machines (VMs) to run on a single physical server, enabling better resource utilization, flexibility, and scalability. AWS employs virtualization to provide its Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) service, where users can quickly deploy and manage virtual servers. Each EC2 instance operates independently, allowing various operating systems and applications to run simultaneously. This not only enhances efficiency but also reduces costs associated with purchasing and maintaining physical hardware. Furthermore, virtualization facilitates easy scaling of resources; users can quickly spin up or terminate instances based on their requirements. AWS uses hypervisors like Xen and Nitro to manage the virtualization layer, ensuring performance and security across instances. Overall, virtualization in AWS empowers businesses to adapt to changing workloads while optimizing their infrastructure investments.
Examples
- Amazon EC2 instances allow users to launch virtual servers on demand.
- AWS Lambda provides serverless computing, abstracting the underlying infrastructure through virtualization.
Additional Information
- Virtualization enhances disaster recovery options by enabling quick snapshot and backup capabilities.
- AWS provides various instance types tailored to different workloads, all made possible through virtualization.