- Hypervisors enable the creation and management of multiple virtual machines on a single physical host, optimising resource utilisation.
- They provide isolation between virtual machines, ensuring that processes run independently and securely.
- Hypervisors facilitate efficient scaling and flexibility in IT environments, supporting various operating systems and applications.
Virtualisation has become a cornerstone of efficient IT infrastructure. At the heart of this technology lies the hypervisor, a critical component that allows for the creation and management of virtual machines.
As organisations increasingly adopt cloud computing and seek to optimise their resources, understanding the function and benefits of hypervisors is essential for leveraging the full potential of virtualisation. This blog explores the role of hypervisors, their types, and how they empower businesses in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Types of hypervisors
There are two primary types of hypervisors: type 1 (bare-metal) and type 2 (hosted).
Type 1 hypervisors: These run directly on the host’s hardware without an underlying operating system. This direct access to hardware resources allows them to offer superior performance, scalability, and security. Examples include VMware vSphere/ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Xen.
Type 2 hypervisors: These operate on top of a conventional operating system. While they are easier to set up and use, Type 2 hypervisors often face overhead limitations due to the additional layer of the host OS. Common examples include VMware Workstation and Oracle VirtualBox.
Also read: Hyperconvergence: The new frontier in streamlined IT infrastructure
Also read: Virtualisation powers cloud computing
Resource management and optimisation
One of the most significant functions of a hypervisor is its ability to manage and optimise hardware resources. Each VM operates as an independent entity with its own operating system and applications. The hypervisor allocates the necessary CPU, memory, storage, and I/O resources to each VM according to predefined policies. This dynamic management ensures that underutilised resources can be redistributed to other VMs, leading to improved overall system efficiency.
For instance, in a corporate environment, multiple departments may require different applications running on various operating systems. With a hypervisor, IT teams can deploy VMs tailored to each department’s specific needs, all while relying on a centralised physical server. This not only reduces hardware costs but also simplifies maintenance and management.
Isolation and security
Another critical function of hypervisors is the isolation they provide between VMs. Each virtual machine operates in its own environment, which means that issues or failures in one VM do not affect others. This inherent isolation enhances security, as potential threats are contained within the affected VM. For example, if a VM hosting a web application gets compromised, the hypervisor ensures that the other VMs—perhaps running sensitive databases or internal applications—remain unaffected.
Hypervisors often integrate additional security features such as snapshots and cloning. Snapshots allow administrators to capture the state of a VM at a particular point in time, enabling easy recovery in case of failure or compromise. Cloning facilitates rapid deployment of new VMs, improving business agility while maintaining robust security protocols.
Scalability and flexibility
As organisations grow, their IT demands evolve. Hypervisors provide the scalability and flexibility needed to adapt to changing workloads. New VMs can be spun up quickly to accommodate surges in demand, whether it’s during peak usage times or for new projects. This elasticity is particularly beneficial in cloud computing environments, where resource provisioning must be agile and responsive.
Hypervisors support various operating systems on the same hardware, allowing organisations to run Linux, Windows, and other platforms simultaneously. This capability fosters innovation and experimentation, as developers can test applications across different environments without requiring separate physical servers.
