Virtual Server Definition

To begin with, the virtual server definition is a simulated server environment built on an actual physical server. The importance of this concept is you can run multiple virtual servers on a single physical server. They behave exactly like a real server running software and sharing the physical resources of the physical server.

As multiple virtual servers can reside in one machine it is a very popular way of providing low-cost web hosting services. In most cases, performance is not affected and each website behaves as if it is being served by a dedicated server. However, if too many of them reside on the same computer, or if one virtual server starts hogging resources, Web pages will be delivered more slowly.

The advantages of server virtualization

Now that you know the virtual server definition, here are some advantages of using them.

• The cost of maintaining a virtual server infrastructure is generally low compared to that of physical server infrastructure. The ability to run multiple operating systems and applications on a single physical machine reduces the cost as it consumes less space, hardware, and energy.
• Server virtualization improves the manageability of the system as a virtual server environment can be centrally managed with fewer machines, hardware, and administrators. Also, Server virtualization is more efficient. You have more space by using the virtualization of your servers.
• With virtual servers, it is easy to decouple and migrate an operating system and its applications encapsulate in a virtual machine from one physical machine to another. This ensures the high availability and reliability of the services.
• A virtual server environment is more secure than a physical server infrastructure. As the operating system and its applications are enclosed in a virtual machine, the security attacks and malicious behaviors will also be contained inside the virtual machine.
• Virtual servers are useful in testing and debugging applications in different operating systems and versions. With the help of multiple virtual machines, you can test and debug applications in different operating systems without having to manually install and run them in several physical machines.