In the rapid progression of cloud computing as the platform which is most preferred by IT companies on which to carry out their myriad operations, several technical intricacies that have to be kept in mind resolutely while developing digital services have risen to the top of the priority lists of IT industry experts. Some of these technical intricacies arise from the virtual nature of cloud computing, since it virtualizes the hardware part of the infrastructure that runs business processes.

By definition, cloud computing uses the connected network of hardware shared across multiple locations to deliver data processing and storage at lower costs than traditional on-premise IT systems. As more and more companies adopt the models – public cloud and private cloud being merged into ‘hybrid’ cloud – the necessity of managing these virtual setups becomes paramount. When one piece of hardware is virtualized to be used to execute different programs running on separate operating platforms and catering to specified purposes, the use of a hypervisor comes in handy.

A hypervisor is the adequate term for this technology, since it does exactly what the name says: supervision of multiple ‘instances’ running on a common hardware unit. Instances in cloud computing are virtual machines that can be tweaked to fulfil any purpose required for the business to continue or expand its operations. The hypervisor program makes it convenient for IT teams to handle multiple processes simultaneously, since it takes care of the allocation of resources like memory and disk space to instances by taking several factors into consideration, with minimal input required from the IT team’s side.

Types of Hypervisor

Native hypervisors, also referred to as bare metal hypervisors, manage the client’s hardware in addition to allocating resources to the instances running on it. Such hypervisor programs are categorized as Type I programs.
 
The second type of hypervisor programs are hosted hypervisors, alternatively called embedded hypervisors. These programs utilize an operating system that is already operational on the server to control the allocation of resources to instances. The operating platforms are usually Windows, Linux or FreeBSD.

How Does It Work?

The main server executes the hypervisor program to control instances running on it. Drawing the operating system from the client side, the hypervisor defines and allocates bandwidth, disk space, processor capacity and other resources as needed to the instances. The instance can request resources through API calls and similar methods.

Hypervisors for Data Replication

When it comes to replication of data, hypervisors can take care of the copying of the specific volume of data in a jiffy, making this generally time-intensive process faster. When entire virtual machines need to be replicated, hypervisors take charge of the process from start to finish.

Hypervisors For Consolidating Servers

When multiple servers need to be run as a cohesive unit to serve a higher purpose, hypervisors can bring them together and bind them despite different operating systems, making larger instances possible when the situation demands it.

Hypervisors For Desktop Virtualization

For remote workers as well as on location sharing of desktops, hypervisors create a replica of desktops complete with the allocated resources being shared from a shared server.

Cloud Computing Security And Hypervisors: Safe?

The need to protect all resources that are ensuring the business processes run smoothly is obviously a pressing one. With hypervisors, hackers get another target, so it is essential to deploy firewalls, antivirus software and network encryption protocols to safeguard hypervisors and their connected instances from malicious acts. With the proper attention to detail, hypervisors can be rendered totally safe.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hypervisor

The most appreciable advantage of hypervisor programs is their ability to allocate resources to instances without much input being required from human supervisors. When there are a lot of processes that need to be run on virtual machines in parallel, hypervisors are the go-to option for even the most seasoned IT experts.

The disadvantage worth considering before opting for hypervisors is the addition of vulnerability to the system, since if the hypervisor gets compromised by accidental exposure to a virus or deliberate brute force hacking, it will adversely affect all the instances it is handling at the time of affliction. As with most technologies, the deployment of hypervisors should be decided upon after weighing the pros and cons relative to the exact requirements of the business.

Features of Hypervisor

A hypervisor is mostly used to reduce the possibility of inefficiency creeping into the system and slowing down processes. By allowing the handling of multiple computing instances and the resources allocated to them, hypervisors provide centralized control over a virtual server that allows the business to capitalize on the advantages of using the cloud platform.

Conclusion

In addition to delivering better resource usage and higher efficiency in regard to IT systems, hypervisors can be customized to develop new ways of utilizing the potential of cloud computing, thus pushing the boundaries of how technology can be used to improve services and create more value.