Virtualization Explored Dr. Andrew Hurd – April 4th 2017 Faculty Program Director Cybersecurity – Excelsior College #CCE2017

Overview What is virtualization? What are the different kinds of virtualization? What is the history of virtualization? Who provides it? What are the advantages and disadvantages? What is needed? How we can use it in our classrooms? Summary

What is virtualization? Virtualization is the creation of a virtual -- rather than actual -- version of something, such as an operating system, a server, a storage device or network resources. http://searchservervirtualization.techtarget.com/definition/virtualization Virtualization is the process of creating a software-based (or virtual) representation of something rather than a physical one. Virtualization can apply to applications, servers, storage, and networks and is the single most effective way to reduce IT expenses while boosting efficiency and agility for all size businesses. - http://www.vmware.com/solutions/virtualization.html

What are the different kinds? (2008) Server Virtualization -- consolidating multiple physical servers into virtual servers that run on a single physical server. Application Virtualization -- an application runs on another host from where it is installed in a variety of ways. It could be done by application streaming, desktop virtualization or VDI, or a VM package (like VMware ACE creates with a player). Microsoft Softgrid is an example of Application virtualization. Presentation Virtualization -- This is what Citrix Met frame (and the ICA protocol) as well as Microsoft Terminal Services (and RDP) are able to create. With presentation virtualization, an application actually runs on another host and all that you see on the client is the screen from where it is run. Network Virtualization -- with network virtualization, the network is “carved up” and can be used for multiple purposes such as running a protocol analyzer inside an Ethernet switch. Components of a virtual network could include NICs, switches, VLANs, network storage devices, virtual network containers, and network media. Storage Virtualization -- with storage virtualization, the disk/data storage for your data is consolidated to and managed by a virtual storage system. The servers connected to the storage system aren’t aware of where the data really is. Storage virtualization is sometimes described as “abstracting the logical storage from the physical storage. -- http://www.virtualizationadmin.com/faq/different-types-virtualization.html

What are the different kinds? (2015) OS Virtualization—aka Virtual Machines Application-Server Virtualization Application Virtualization Administrative Virtualization Network Virtualization Hardware Virtualization Storage Virtualization -- http://inbound.kelsercorp.com/blog/the-7-types-of-virtualization

Who provides it? VMWare -- http://www.vmware.com/company.html Microsoft -- https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/cloud-platform/desktop- virtualization Citrix -- https://www.citrix.com/virtualization/ RedHat -- https://www.redhat.com/en/technologies/virtualization Oracle -- https://www.oracle.com/virtualization/index.html Amazon -- https://www.quora.com/What-virtualization-software-does-EC2- use

What are the advantages? Reduced spending. For companies with fewer than 1,000 employees, up to 40 percent of an IT budget is spent on hardware. Easier backup and disaster recovery. Virtualization makes recovery much swifter and accurate, with less manpower and a fraction of the equipment – it’s all virtual. Better business continuity. With an increasingly mobile workforce, having good business continuity is essential. More efficient IT operations. Virtualization provides an easier route for technicians to install and maintain software, distribute updates and maintain a more secure network.   Reduced spending. Purchasing multiple servers is often a good chunk of this cost. Virtualizing requires fewer servers and extends the lifespan of existing hardware. This also means reduced energy costs. Easier backup and disaster recovery. Disasters are swift and unexpected. In seconds, leaks, floods, power outages, cyber-attacks, theft and even snow storms can wipe out data essential to your business. Better business continuity. Without it, files become inaccessible, work goes undone, processes are slowed and employees are less productive. Virtualization gives employees access to software, files and communications anywhere they are and can enable multiple people to access the same information for more continuity. More efficient IT operations. Going to a virtual environment can make everyone’s job easier – especially the IT staff. They can do this with less downtime, fewer outages, quicker recovery and instant backup as compared to a non-virtual environment. 

What are the disadvantages? Upfront costs. The investment in the virtualization software, and possibly additional hardware might be required to make the virtualization possible. Software licensing considerations. This is becoming less of a problem as more software vendors adapt to the increased adoption of virtualization Possible learning curve. Implementing and managing a virtualized environment will require IT staff with expertise in virtualization.   Upfront Costs -- This depends on your existing network. Many businesses have sufficient capacity to accommodate the virtualization without requiring a lot of cash. This obstacle can also be more readily navigated by working with a Managed IT Services provider, who can offset this cost with monthly leasing or purchase plans. Software Licensing -- but it is important to check with your vendors to clearly understand how they view software use in a virtualized environment. Possible learning curve -- On the user side a typical virtual environment will operate similarly to the non-virtual environment. There are some applications that do not adapt well to the virtualized environment – this is something that your IT staff will need to be aware of and address prior to converting.

What is needed? Computer with execute privileges VM Software ISO’s Time Effort Willingness to learn

How we can use it in our classrooms? Classroom setup VM software installed on the computer ISO’s available to the students https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/ https://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop https://www.kali.org/downloads/ Labs for the students to work with Images for students

Oracle VirtualBox

Instillation

Features to desktop….

Export and Import

Summary Virtualization can be as complicated as you want it to be Virtualization typically needs some IT support Virtualization allows for a safe environment for students to work Virtualization may incur some up front costs (for hardware) Virtualization takes time to set up Virtualization is extremely powerful Virtualization provides real world skills

Questions?

Faculty Program Director – Cybersecurity Excelsior College Dr. Andrew Hurd Faculty Program Director – Cybersecurity Excelsior College ahurd@excelsior.edu