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Virtualization
IT virtualization is the abstraction of IT resources in a way that masks the physical nature and boundaries of those resources from resource users. An IT resource can be a server, a client, storage, networks, applications or operating systems. Essentially, any IT building block can potentially be abstracted from resource users.
Abstraction enables better flexibility in how different parts of an IT stack are delivered, thus enabling better efficiency (through consolidation or variable usage) and mobility (shifting which resources are used behind the abstraction interface), and even alternative sourcing (shifting the service provider behind the abstraction interface, such as in cloud computing). A key to virtualization is being able to effectively describe what is required from the resource in an independent, abstracted and standardized manner.
In essence, cloud computing is all about abstracting service implementation away from the consumers of the services by using service-based interfaces (in other words, the interface for cloud-computing services is all about virtualization — an abstraction interface). But, to a provider, virtualization creates the flexibility to deliver resources to meet service needs in a very flexible, elastic, rapidly changing manner. The tools that make that happen could be virtual machines, virtual LANs (VLANs), or grid/parallel programming.
Link to Gartner's Virtualization definition
Featured Virtualization Events
IT Infrastructure, Operations & Management Summit
- 13�15 June 2011
- Orlando, FL
- Server Visualization has delivered significant first-wave benefits in a period where better asset utilization was the mantra, and cost-containment was paramount. But as we move into a period of business opportunity, virtualization can be a key enabling technology across the entire IT environment. The Gartner I&O Summit will address how virtualization can be taken to the next level in the entire IT environment – servers, clients, storage, and networks – and how it can be most effectively managed.
- Learn More
Data Center & IT Operations Summit
- 28�29 November 2011
- London, UK
- At the Gartner Data Center & IT Operations Summit you'll learn how cloud computing, infrastructure innovation and virtualization can create positive business outcomes, whilst effective management of the data center continues to advance improved sustainability, uptime and recoverability.
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Featured Virtualization Webinars
Server Virtualization: From Virtual Machines to Clouds
- Hosted by Thomas J. Bittman
- VP, Distinguished Analyst
- Listen Now
Top 10 Trends Shaping Infrastructure & Operations
- Hosted by David J. Cappuccio
- Managing VP
- Listen Now
Virtualization Research
Hype Cycle for Virtualization
22 July 2010
While x86 server virtualization may be maturing, virtualization as an IT initiative is still, at best, in adolescence, and still disruptive to IT users and providers, leading to continued levels of hype while delivering the foundation for power and cooling and cloud-computing initiatives.
Virtualization Reality
30 July 2010
Virtualization continues to deliver IT savings and efficiencies, and is the foundation for many IT initiatives. This research focuses on the impact of virtualization on traditional IT areas of servers, desktops, storage and management, as well as the future impact and planning aspects.
Virtualization Key Initiative Overview
5 February 2010
Virtualization brings flexibility, agility and increased capabilities to enterprise users, but it takes investment. This overview points the way for IT leaders to assess their virtualization needs and present a cohesive business case to decision makers.
Get Ready for Hosted Virtual Desktops
15 June 2010
Hosted virtual desktops promise a wide range of benefits, with many organizations looking to deploy them for their users. However, IT managers should understand their suitability to user and infrastructure requirements (for servers, data centers, storage and networks) and plan accordingly.
