Is Virtualization the driving factor for Cloud Computing?

Virtualization has been prevalent for decades in various forms. In the recent times, virtualization of servers and desktops over x86-platform has made a significant change in the way IT was being used. Virtualization gives you the flexibility of using multiple virtual servers created out of dynamic resources from a few physical servers. Resource allocation and re-allocation is very convenient, and most of the functions happen online. Most of these functions can be automated based on usage pattern.

For technologists finding ways of sharing resources, virtualization came up as a blessing. Cloud computing allows different organizations/departments to provision and utilize virtual servers for their own individual use while residing on the same physical hardware. The physical hardware hosted at a service provider’s Data Center allows access to different virtual servers separately.

Virtualization platforms have in-built auto-provisioning, security features and billing systems which charge based on periodic usage. Many service providers have developed web based self-service portals that allow users to create and use their own servers without any external intervention.

So sit back and create your own server with custom configuration and reap the dual benefits of virtualization and cloud computing.