Back in the 1960s, when technology experts were trying to solve the problem of allowing multiple users to work on a single machine, they conceptualized Virtualization. While it didn’t find many takers back then, in the last decade, the practice of virtualization has become mainstream especially after being adopted in the cloud-based services. In simple words, virtualization is the creation of a virtual version of your system and/or resources. It allows the distribution of multiple tasks across various user environments and enables the server to run multiple tasks. This allows you to utilize the maximum potential of your machine and reduces hardware-related costs. A software called hypervisor creates and manages the virtual versions of the system – virtual machines (VMs). Each of these VMs run on the same physical server but work independently of each other. Cloud Hosting providers utilize the techniques of virtualization to offer web hosting services. So, how does virtualization benefit Cloud Hosted websites? Let’s find out:
Cost-Efficiency
Virtualization allows site owners to host their websites on Cloud Hosting platforms in a cost-efficient manner.
Traditionally, when websites were hosted on physical servers, an investment in physical resources was mandatory considering the current and anticipated requirements of the site. Further, adding resources was costly too.
In Cloud Hosting, virtualization separates resources allowing to include adequate resources as needed by your website, making it a cost-efficient option.
Reliability
Despite the measures taken by all hosting providers, physical resources are never failsafe. There is always a possibility of a system failure or a physical damage leading to a system crash.
Traditionally, websites were hosted on a physical server. Regardless of whether the resources were shared or dedicated to the website, a system crash rendered the site unavailable. This had a direct impact on the brand’s reputation.
On the other hand, in Cloud hosting, virtualization creates a set of virtual servers which host your website. Therefore, even if one server goes down, there are other who immediately step-in without allowing your services to go offline. With no single point of failure, it offers a highly reliable web hosting solution.
Scalability
A market is a dynamic place and predicting website traffic is a difficult task. Hence, it is important that websites have reserve resources available which can be deployed if, the site experiences sudden spikes in traffic.
Traditionally, site owners would purchase/rent these resources in advance and pay for them even when they didn’t need them. This was because adding resources was a time-consuming process. Also, if the traffic spiked more than they anticipated, then there would be downtime involved to get the resources in place.
In Cloud Hosting, virtualization creates a network of virtual servers which host a website. Hence, adding resources like RAM, CPU, etc. is possible within no time. Hence, Cloud Hosting offers instant scalability of resources allowing you to handle traffic spikes with ease.
While virtualization offers many benefits, many other features of Cloud Hosting services like fast website speed, minimal downtimes, etc., make them a great web hosting solution. Assess your requirements and research well to find a provider who can offer the best Cloud Hosting services for your website.