What is Virtualization Anyway?

The word virtualization is used in a variety of ways: storage virtualization, storage device virtualization, in-band virtualization, out-of-band virtualization, storage subsystem virtualization, virtualization technology, and x86 virtualization. The word “virtualization” may seem a bit perplexing when used in all of these instances; but virtualization has become our everyday reality.

Are you feeling the urge to virtualize? From Barbara Darrow's article, Feeling the Urge to Virtualize , is described like this: “Virtualization is the ability to divide up a single resource—be it a storage device or a server or an operating system—to work as more than one independent entity but be managed centrally. Disk partitioning is an example of simple virtualization technology” (CRN, January 8, 2007). As the result of virtualization, random data becomes extremely organized.

Virtualization technology (where multiple operating systems can run from a single device) has several specific terms to describe how and where data is stored. When data is store on disks or tape drives, the phrase “storage device virtualization” is used. “Storage subsystem virtualization” could possibly be a storage-based virtualization located on your host's server. “In-band virtualization” data path functions and control path functions execute on the same platform. “ Data moves from the host to the storage device through a single platform that processes both control and data path functions. Control path functions are “in the data path creating ‘in-band' virtualization” (Wikipedia). Yet, “out-of-band virtualization” control path functions are “executed on one platform and data path functions are executed on other platform(s)” (Wikipedia).

Do you have the virtualization storage required for e-mails and instant messaging on your network? Virtualization has become a federal legal issue for certain business networks, Broadband, and VoIP providers alike—all must comply with the new FCC wiretaps regulation. To become “wiretap-able” whether hardwired or wireless, virtual storage requirements (capable of backups and data migration/replication) must execute data in readable formats and be ready to deploy detailed records of your customer's or end user's correspondences in question. Genesis Global has affordable used Cisco MDS 9000 Family Multilayer Directors and Fabric Switches such as MDS 9000 Modules (DS-X9148 – 48-port 1/2/4-Gbps FC Module) and CWDM Solution (DS-CWDM-1470= - 48-port 1/2/4 Gbps FC Module) and much more! If you are looking for a solution provider, please contact Genesis Global at 1-800-908-9665 or e-mail on of their Sales Accounts Managers at sales@genesisglobalinc.com. Remember, Genesis Global is renowned for finding the right networking solutions!

Give Genesis Global's Account Sales Managers a call at:
1-800-908-9665

The Best Business Connection

"Cisco believes the network is the platform for organizations to connect with their constituents and for individuals to connect with each other," said Dan Scheinman, senior vice president and general manager of the Cisco Media Solutions Group" (CMSG).