Introduction
Desktop virtualization has acquired a lot of attention since the late 1990s. Proponents of virtualization claim that it is the future of computing as it can significantly optimize almost all processes associated with the use of hardware and software. However, critics of desktop virtualization state that it will lead to various issues as there are too many challenges to be addressed. Studies implemented and literatures available suggest that though virtualization can help optimize a number of processes, there is still a significant gap to be filled. Therefore, further research in a number of fields is necessary.
Benefits
One of the most frequently mentioned benefits of virtualization is efficient use of hardware and, as a result, reduction of companies’ expenditures (Kizza, 2012). Kroeker (2009) claimed that desktop virtualization could enable companies to use hardware more effectively and, instead of spending funds on upgrading hardware, companies could be able to make use of certain consolidated centers. According to Fennell (2010), virtualization is an effective solution to save spaces as companies (especially data centers) will save a lot of space as fewer servers will be necessary. Furthermore, Winter (2007) stressed that servers were often underutilized which led to unjustified losses and inadequate use of hardware. Virtualization, with its consolidated centers, will optimize the use of each consolidated server.
Proponents of virtualization also note that it leads to more efficient energy use which is especially important in terms of environmentally friendly policies which have penetrated in all spheres of people’s life including business (Boomer, Keefer, Olzak & Sabovik, 2010). According to Buford, Gurbani and Prasad (2011), companies can save up considerable amounts of funds and, at the same time, can reduce amount of CO2 emissions. Reduced number of hardware will lead to considerable reduction of energy consumption which is very important for companies as well as individual users (Kizza, 2012). Thus, one of the advantages of virtualization is energy efficiency.
Apart from benefits associated with the use of hardware, virtualization also introduces a number of opportunities in the sphere of software use. One of the problems contemporary software users face is conflicting applications as different hardware often needs specific software and some applications can fit only specific hardware, which is inconvenient for many users (Kroeker, 2009). According to James (2010), virtualization presupposes design of applications which do not conflict with each other. Virtualization can be regarded as a way to optimize the use of software and make it more efficient especially for large companies (Kroeker, 2009). Optimization of the use of software is beneficial for all stakeholders involved: big and small companies as well as individual users.
Problems to Be Solved
Nonetheless, virtualization does not solve all problems and even raises a lot of questions. One of the most relevant questions raised is concerned with performance. It is reported that the company that has “a database transaction requirement of a few milliseconds, it is very difficult to provide that guarantee in a virtualized environment” (as cited in Kroeker, 2009, p. 20). Processes which require high performance cannot be run with the help of cloud computing yet. It is still necessary to work out specific applications and specific hardware to enhance performance.
Notably, though proponents of virtualization propagate the idea of cost-efficiency of virtualization, it is still associated with quite significant expenditures. Virtualization presupposes specific hardware as well as software which are quite costly (Hsieh, 2008). Latest version of software and hardware are characterized by better performance but they are also characterized by quite high prices. According to Kind, Learny, Leary and Fiehn (2009), virtualization cannot be affordable in small laboratories as only some large companies can afford such cost-efficient changes (Kind et al., 2009). Cost-efficiency remains one of the most controversial aspects of virtualization which should be addressed.
It is also necessary to note that virtualization presupposes specific types of hardware and software as well as specific types of applications (Kroeker, 2009). At that, the number of applications available is quite scarce compared to the number of applications existing in conventional computing (Boomer, 2010). This is also one of downsides of cloud computing which should be addressed in the nearest future.
Apart from significant prices on hardware and software used in cloud computing, virtualization is also associated with quite costly maintenance (Hsieh, 2008). Cloud computing is a new area where the number of skilled professionals is still scarce (Boomer, 2010). Moreover, maintenance of consolidated servers is also quite costly and small businesses are unable to afford such technologies (Hsieh, 2008). Thus, affordability of maintenance of hardware and software is another issue to be solved.
Conclusion
On balance, it is possible to note that virtualization is, undoubtedly, future of computing, though it needs further research and development. There are a lot of benefits of virtualization including cost-efficiency, energy-efficiency and optimization of the overall sphere of computing. However, there are quite many gaps to be addressed to make virtualization affordable (in all respects) for all users. These gaps include comparatively low performance, comparatively high prices, quite costly maintenance (Kroeker, 2009; Kind et al., 2009). The gaps have already caused a variety of inconveniences for users.
Admittedly, these issues can be solved in future as development of technology suggests a lot of opportunities. However, one of the problems with virtualization is that researchers as well as consumers focus on its benefits and tend to ignore existing problems (Kind et al., 2009). Therefore, it is necessary to bring the existing issues to the fore and stress the necessity to further develop the very concept of virtualization which should meet a variety of requirements of consumers.
Reference
Boomer, J., Keefer, R., Olzak, T., & Sabovik, J. (2010). Microsoft virtualization: Master Microsoft server, desktop, application, and presentation virtualization. Burlington, MA: Syngress.
Buford, J., Gurbani, V., & Prasad, A. (2011). Future Internet services and service architectures. Aalborg, Denmark: River Publishers
Fennell, D. (2010). Desktop virtualization in action: Simplicity is power. Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 34, 883-885.
Hsieh, C. (2008). Strategies for successfully implementing a virtualization project: A case with VM ware. Communications of the IIMA, 8(3), 1-10.
James, G.R. (2010). Citrix XenDesktop implementation: A practical guide for IT professionals. Burlington, MA: Elsevier.
Kind, T., Learny, T., Leary, J.A. & Fiehn, O. (2009). Software platform virtualization in chemistry research and university teaching. Journal of Cheminformatics, 1(18), 1-16.
Kizza, J.M. (2012). Africa can greatly benefit from virtualization technology – part 1. International Journal of Computing and ICT Research, 16(1), 6-10.
Kroeker, K.L. (2009). The evolution of virtualization. Communications of the ACM, 52(3), 18-20.
Winter, S. (2007). Concept for system virtualization in the field of high availability computing. Germany: GRIN Verlag.