Cloud computing is a viable option for many businesses. This ever-growing system of digital management allows companies the freedom to scale operations or efficiently manage clients, data, and services. But cloud computing comes in many forms and can be complicated for businesses to maintain long-term. Fortunately, utilizing virtualization can be a great solution.
Virtualization is already present in various aspects of the cloud model. From security to ease of access, it is a way of organizing cloud systems and successfully conducting business.
SEE: What Is the Difference between Cloud Computing and Virtualization? (TechRepublic)
What is virtualization?
Virtualization can be considered the creation of virtual hardware and software services that can be used and flexibly managed by organizations as needed.
It is not something that can be eliminated from the cloud process. Rather, virtualization is what makes cloud and multicloud technologies viable for numerous businesses.
The most important part of a virtual model is a bit of software called a hypervisor. Hypervisors can be imagined as a buffer between hardware and clients using operating systems or services to run their businesses. This allows one piece of hardware to form multiple ‘virtual computers’ for guest use.
SEE: Hiring Kit: Cloud Engineer (TechRepublic Premium)
Benefits of virtualization in cloud computing
There are several advantages to note.
Security
Instead of relying on hardware to provide security, virtual systems store information collectively and stop data from being shared between applications. Virtualization allows IT staff to grant access to only specific aspects of a network.
The most powerful security feature is its ability to separate all digital computers on a network, meaning that data is not transferred from system to system. This helps keep cloud computing secure and maintains a safe atmosphere for businesses that handle private information or worry about data leaks.
Server and OS flexibility
Without hardware to consider, virtualization paves the way for new methods of conducting business digitally. Perhaps the most obvious benefit of flexible servers is the cost. Companies are no longer forced to pay for hardware when they adopt virtual solutions. In addition, virtualization allows for the differentiation of operating systems and networks. This is called desktop virtualization.
There are different types of virtualization, including desktop, network, server, and application. These contribute to flexibility, as well as making it possible for businesses to specialize in the technology they require most. Virtualization offers long-term benefits that grant more control over operations and digital commerce.
Improved workflow
Cloud systems, while possible without virtualization, would be much more complex and expensive. Coupled with virtual computing, the two processes ease the stress of businesses. Virtualization, for example, increases the efficiency of hardware by facilitating different operations, systems, desktops, and storage functions at the same time.
Virtualization also allows for multiple operating systems to run simultaneously. Should there ever be a maintenance issue, restructuring a virtual system is much simpler and less expensive than addressing hardware faults. All of these processes create a smoother and more reliable cloud system.
SEE: Top 5 Best Practices for Cloud Security (TechRepublic Premium)
Conclusion
The positives outlined in this feature paint a pleasant picture, but so do the stats. According to Mordor Intelligence, the virtualization software market is expected to jump from $103.53 billion in 2025 to $162.75 billion in 2030.
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This article was originally published in October 2022. It was updated by Antony Peyton in June 2025.
