History of Computers - Virtualization

Virtualization is the act of creating a virtual version of something. More specifically, it allows a piece of hardware perform more complicated tasks while also making the user feel that everything is simple to use. Typically, virtualization is divided into three categories; Network, Storage, and Server virtualization[1]. Network virtualization splits the combined bandwidth of a network into several independent channels that can be assigned to certain tasks, and reassigned as needed. This allows more effective use of the bandwidth as well as allowing more ease of use of the network. Storage virtualization allows data from multiple devices to be accessed from what appears to be a single device through use of a SAN [2]. This simplifies the complexity of data access for the users making it much easier to use. Finally, Server virtualization masks certain data from server users, to make each user feel as though their data is the only data present. This simplifies use of the server because users do not need dig through the server's data to find what they resources the specifically need. Once again, this form of virtualization is a great aid to users that do not handle technology well. Virtualization is typically used in offices to streamline productivity, allowing workers to use computers easily while an IT team works behind the scenes to keep computers productive.

Sources

http://searchservervirtualization.techtarget.com/definition/virtualization

http://searchstorage.techtarget.com/definition/storage-area-network-SAN