Server Virtualization at Worldlink Communications P. Ltd. 

Abstract

Nowadays, virtualization is a technology that is applied for sharing the capabilities of physical computers by splitting the resources among OSs. The concept of Virtual Machines (VMs) started back in 1964 with an IBM project called CP/CMS system. Currently, there are several virtualization techniques that can be used for supporting the execution of entire operating systems. Virtualization technique can be classified from the OS view. Two techniques that execute modified guest OSs: operating system-level virtualization and para-virtualization. Two techniques that execute unmodified guest OSs: binary translation and hardware assisted.
Server virtualization has been heralded as a significant way for organizations to increase operational efficiency, cut IT costs and reduce environmental footprint. Virtualization projects have the potential to lower IT costs through the consolidation of servers where the capacity provisioned exceeds the peak demand of the
application. In fact, it has been said that the effective use of virtualization technologies can reduce server energy consumption by up to 82%, however, these savings are not a foregone conclusion and can only be realized if virtual servers are carefully managed and used productively.
There is a correlation between the amount of savings that can be made through virtualization and how well we plan our virtualization project. Some energy savings can be observed immediately at the beginning of a virtualization project but overall spend can actually increase unless demand and productive usage is carefully managed and deployment of new virtualized servers carefully controlled. If servers are under-utilized, non-productive, over-provisioned or virtual server environment sprawls out of control, the potential for dwindling savings or increased spend is amplified.
This report on virtualization has been prepared for the partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology (B.Sc. CSIT). It is based on the internship program conducted at Worldlink Communications P. Ltd. This report is fully based on the personal experience gained at the company.