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Difference Between Cloud Computing and Virtualization

Cloud Computing Vs. Virtualization: In this tutorial, we will learn about the difference between cloud computing and virtualization, and the differences between cloud computing and virtualization. By IncludeHelp Last updated : June 03, 2023

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing resources and services over the Internet. It provides on-demand access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources, including networks, servers, storage, applications, and services. In cloud computing, users can utilize computing resources and services provided by cloud service providers, paying for what they use on a pay-as-you-go basis.

What is Virtualization?

Virtualization is a technology that allows for the creation of virtual instances or representations of computing resources, such as servers, operating systems, storage devices, and networks. In virtualization, a software layer called a hypervisor or virtual machine monitor (VMM) is installed on a physical server or host machine. The hypervisor enables the creation and management of multiple virtual machines (VMs) or virtual environments on the same physical hardware. Each VM operates as an independent and isolated system, running its operating system and applications.

Virtualization has become a fundamental technology in cloud computing, enabling the creation and management of virtualized infrastructure and services.

Difference Between Cloud Computing and Virtualization

S.No.	Cloud Computing	Virtualization
1	Cloud computing is a service-oriented model that involves delivering computing services over the Internet.	Virtualization is a technology that involves creating virtual instances or representations of computing resources.
2	It focuses on providing on-demand access to resources, such as servers, storage, databases, software, and networks.	It focuses on abstracting the physical hardware from the software or applications running on top of it.
3	Cloud computing enables users to utilize computing resources without the need for local infrastructure or hardware.	Virtualization allows for better resource utilization by running multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical server.
4	It offers different deployment models (public, private, hybrid, multi-cloud) and service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) to cater to diverse needs.	It provides isolation and encapsulation, allowing each VM to operate independently with its operating system and applications.
5	Cloud computing allows for scalability, flexibility, accessibility, and cost efficiency.	It facilitates workload mobility, migration, and efficient resource allocation.
6	It provides services like automatic updates, data backup, disaster recovery, and security measures to ensure data integrity and privacy.	Virtualization enables dynamic resource allocation, scalability, and flexibility in managing and allocating resources.

Conclusion

Clouds offer the added advantages of self-service connectivity, automatic infrastructure scaling, and dynamic resource pools. These features must specifically differentiate Cloud computing from conventional virtualization.

Virtualization has its advantages, such as lower hardware use, reduced energy costs, room for greater organizational, management, and technological efficiencies, and even company administration security. They are also very much like a personal computer, but they are isolated environments, so they are also useful for testing new software or setting up a production environment.