Virtualization for Fast-Growing IT Requirements

The actual need for virtualization basically requires the prior understanding of three things: Why Virtualize? What is Virtualization? And When to Virtualize?

The virtualization technology evolution dates back to the times of main frame computers, where the operators had to utilise huge power resource to run processes. Operating Virtualization addressed this issue by allowing the hardware resource to run multiple operation system images using a single software tool, thus managing the power utilisation in running processes.

Server virtualization is the key aspect of virtualization technology, where the main server is virtualised to create a guest system that exactly works as a main system. A software layer called hypervisor makes this happen by emulating underlying hardware. Here the guest operating system uses the software emulation of the underlying hardware, i.e., virtualized hardware and not the true hardware.

The performance of the virtual system is not exactly the same as that of the true system. Even then the virtualization holds significance as the most applications and guest systems may not demand for full utilization of the underlying hardware.

Thus, the dependence on hardware is alleviated, allowing greater flexibility and isolation of the processes from the main system, whenever needed. Here is where the companies working on multiple applications on multiple platforms can have an advantage of minimization of extra resource utilization.

Virtualization, which was initially confined to server systems, has evolved over the years to suit for networks, desktops, data and applications, among others.

Wings of Virtualization:

Virtualization has spread its wings across six key areas of significance in the IT industry:

Network Virtualization: This reduced the complexity across networks by grouping the available resources in a network, connecting them with independent channels formed as a result of the splitting of available bandwidths. These channels can be linked to devices later, depending on the requirement.
Storage Virtualization: Here, various storage devices are grouped into a single large virtualized storage unit, which is controlled from a central console.
Server Virtualization: This involves the masking of servers so as to limit the server users from accessing server's complex information, such as physical address, among others, while also ensuring the resource sharing. The software that is used to virtualize the underlying hardware is 'hypervisor'
Data Virtualization: Here the broader data access is provided to meet the business requirements, while abstracting the very important basic information like storage location, performance, and format.
Desktop Virtualization: Here the main intention is to share the workstation. Instead of server, the workstation load is shared via virtualization, in the name of remote desktop access. As the workstation works in data centre server environment, security and portability are also ensured.
Application Virtualization: Here the application is abstracted from the operating system, and encapsulated. The encapsulated form of the application is used across platforms without having need fo depend on the operating system every time during implementation.
Overall, fast-growing IT and end-user requirements driven by rise in demand for automation gives a needed boost to the global IT virtualization market.

Advantages of Master Clock Systems

A master clock is a hardware device that obtains accurate time from a hardware reference and synchronizes slave clocks and time displays. The slave clocks rely on the master clock to display the correct time.

Once set, traditional, unsynchronized clocks drift away from the correct time at differing rates. After a relatively short amount of time, they can all display very different times. Correcting individual clocks can be a very time-consuming process which needs to be carried out at regular intervals.

GPS Master Clocks

Master clocks can use hardware time references, such as the GPS system to obtain very precise time. GPS is accurate to one-second in three hundred million years. Therefore, all time displays and slave clocks can refer to a highly accurate, legally traceable source of time. GPS systems require an antenna that is typically located with a clear view of the sky. Alternatively, where antenna installation is difficult, public internet Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers can be used.

Everyone Works To The Same Time

Many organizations can benefit from synchronized clocks. Staff all work to the same time, therefore meetings can start promptly, classes in schools start and finish as scheduled and shifts start and end consistently. Hospitals, manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries can accurately log events.

Low Maintenance

Once installed and correctly configured, slave clocks are virtually maintenance free in contrast to high-maintenance stand-alone clocks.

Automatic Adjustment

In many countries, clocks need to be adjusted twice a year to correct for daylight saving time. If a large number of clocks need correcting, it can be very time-consuming. Often clocks are located at height or in inaccessible positions that makes the task even more time-consuming. Additionally, adjustment often takes place well after the event, clocks will therefore be incorrect for an extended period.

Master clocks adjust for daylight saving time automatically, requiring no manual user intervention. Additionally, all clocks adjust at the correct moment so that a continuously accurate time is displayed.

An added advantage is that slave clocks can often be configured to display time in different time-zones, ideal for trading floors and meeting rooms.

Automatic Recovery

Power outages or failures can cause unsynchronized clocks to become inaccurate. Each clock must then be corrected individually. Master clock systems automatically obtain accurate time from hardware references such as GPS. Within minutes of the power being restored, slave clocks will be back up and running. Often no operator intervention is required.