January 10, 2019

What’s the Difference Between Virtualisation and Cloud Computing?

Virtualisation and cloud computing may sound like a similar thing, especially if you are not well-versed with either of the two and how they work. However, each one has a broader definition that can significantly affect your business decisions.

To make you understand the difference between the two, let’s dig deep into their definition and learn their respective function.

VIRTUALISATION

Virtualisation is the process of creating a virtual set up of a physical hardware such as an operating system, storage device, server or network resources. This software technology allows you to run multiple operating systems and applications simultaneously on the same machine while separating compute environments from physical infrastructures. Virtualisation is an effective medium for businesses to reduce their IT costs while improving flexibility, efficiency and utilisation of their physical devices.

Apart from that, deploying virtualisation technology into servers allows software developers to test their applications on different virtual environments without having to switch to multiple computer hardware. In case, the application crashes on the virtual platform, they can close and restart the virtual machine to a previous state without affecting the function of computer hardware.

BENEFITS OF VIRTUALISATION

Instead of using and maintaining multiple servers, you can leverage the available resources of a single server to suit multiple purposes.
Setup costs of virtual platforms is comparatively low
Since a single server can be used to perform varied functions, the cost of IT hardware is low with virtualisation.
Virtual machines are easier to set up than physical infrastructures, which contributes to uptime maximisation.
Virtual set ups work well with the low-speed network access.
Desktop virtualisation enables users to virtualise the whole system by a single click.

CLOUD COMPUTING

Cloud computing is a service whose foundation is formed by virtualisation. Virtualisation can exist without the cloud, but cloud computing cannot exist without virtualisation.

Cloud computing allows companies to run and access complex applications and massive company resources via the Internet.

In short, cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of compute power, database storage, applications and other IT resources through a cloud service platform on the internet.

BENEFITS OF CLOUD COMPUTING

Using cloud computing for applications is cost-efficient.
The service is reliable for backup and recovery.
It provides access to all users without any limitation.
Depending on your cloud computing service provider, your system will be regularly updated with latest technology.
It allows employees to be more flexible in their workplace.

HOW IS VIRTUALISATION DIFFERENT FROM CLOUD COMPUTING?

FOCUSED AREA	VIRTUALISATION	CLOUD COMPUTING
DEFINITION	Virtualisation is a piece of technology that makes up cloud computing.	Cloud computing is a service that is powered by virtualisation.
PURPOSE	Create multiple virtual environments with the help of one physical hardware system.	Leverage virtual resources on the internet to provide access to data as per user demand.
USE	Packaged resources are delivered to specific users for detailed purpose.	Variable resources are delivered to a group of users for varied purpose.
CONFIGURATION	Uses image	Uses template
LIFE-SPAN	Long term technology that can be used for years.	Usually considered as a short-term service that lasts up to a few hours to months.
COST	High capital expenditure, low operating expenses.	PRIVATE CLOUD: High capital expenditure, low operating expenses PUBLIC CLOUD: Low capital expenditure, high operating expenses.
SCALABILITY	Virtual machines configuration limits its scalability	Cloud can be extended as much as you want.
WORKLOAD	Stateful, keeps tracks of the information.	Stateless, doesn’t keep the record of the information.
TENANCY	Single tenant, which means a single instance of a software application and supporting infrastructure serves one customer.	Multiple tenants allow users to share computing resources in a public or a private cloud
USE CASES	Virtual Machines Virtual Applications Virtual Resources	Software as a service Platform as a service Infrastructure as a service
CORE ATTRIBUTES	Hardware Independence Isolation	On-demand service Resource pooling Rapid elasticity Measured service
SETUP	Simple to set up a virtual environment	Setting up cloud is tedious
SERVICE TYPE	SaaS	IaaS
ACCESSIBILITY	Permission is required for accessing from outside the network.	Can be accessed from all over the world

Today, cloud computing plays an important part in our everyday life. It benefits users and businesses by allowing them to sharing resources and information in a hassle-free manner. Besides, with a fast, reliable connection to the internet, cloud computing can make a huge difference with minimal technology investment.In addition, it is already been predicted that most organisations and individuals will be living in the cloud by 2020.For more scalable, powerful cloud hosting solutions that are specifically designed to grow your business, contact Australia’s best web hosting company Amaze. We offer on-demand cloud computing infrastructure that can handle all your business needs.

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