VMware virtualization simulates the hardware in order to create a virtual computer system. By utilizing virtualization, businesses can run multiple operating systems and applications on a single physical device. Virtual computer systems are often referred to as “virtual machines” in IT infrastructures. A virtual machine (VM) consists of an operating system and an application within an isolated software container.
Each self-contained VM runs independently. With multiple VMs on one physical server, several operating systems and applications can be run on the same device. A hypervisor is a software layer that detaches virtual machines from the host and dynamically allocates resources to each virtual machine as needed.
The benefits of server virtualization include economies of scale and increased efficiency. Using server virtualization, companies can maximize their server resources and reduce the amount of hardware required for their operations. As a result, server consolidation improves efficiency and reduces costs.
VMware products include virtualization, networking, and security management tools, software-defined data centers, and storage software.
VMware vSphere is a suite of virtualization products. VMware vSphere, known as VMware Infrastructure prior to 2009, includes the following features:
As of April 2018, the most current version of vSphere is 6.7, which is available in three editions: Standard, Enterprise Plus, and Platinum. There are also two three-server kits designed for small and medium-sized businesses, vSphere Essentials and Essentials Plus.
A virtual networking and security software product created when VMware acquired Nicera in 2012, VMware NSX. Through NSX, admins can virtualize network components, making it possible to create, deploy and configure virtual networks and switches using software instead of hardware. On top of the hypervisor sits a software layer that allows an administrator to divide a physical network into multiple virtual networks.
In the latest version of the product, NSX-T Data Center, network virtualization can be added to both ESXi and KVM as hypervisors, as well as bare-metal servers. Kubernetes clusters can also virtualize and protect containerized workloads. The NSX-T Data Center also offers Network Function Virtualization, which allows functions such as firewalls, load balancers, and VPNs to be run in the virtualization software stack.
Virtualize Network Insight is a network operations management tool that allows administrators to plan micro segmentation and monitor the health of VMware NSX. It is based on technology from VMware’s acquisition of Arkin in 2016. NSX Manager information is collected by VRealize Network Insight. In addition, it displays errors in its interface, which aids in troubleshooting an NSX environment.
VMware Site Recovery Manager (SRM) is a disaster recovery management tool that allows an administrator to create recovery plans that are automatically executed in the event of a failure. Administrators can automatically orchestrate failover and failback of virtual machines with Site Recovery Manager. In addition, SRM integrates with NSX to preserve network and security policies on migrated VMs.
VMware vCloud NFV: A network functions virtualization platform such as VMware vCloud NFV enables service providers to run network functions through virtual applications from different vendors. NFV offers the same benefits of virtualization and cloud to communications service providers that previously used hardware.
VMware Horizon enables organizations to run Windows desktops either on AWS or in their data centers. This replaces the need to place and manage full desktops on the workplace and centralizes the management and security of the users’ environment. For application delivery and Windows desktop management, it integrates with VMware’s App Volumes and Dynamic Environment Manager.
Workspace ONE an administrator can manage mobile devices and cloud-hosted virtual desktops and applications from a single management platform, whether it is in the cloud or on-premises. As part of the Workspace ONE suite, VMware AirWatch, Horizon Air, and Identity Manager are available.
Identity Manager is an identity-as-a-service product offering single sign-on (SSO) capabilities for web, cloud, and mobile applications. Identity Manager enables SSO to any application, on any device, based on policies created.uation.
VMware AirWatch is a platform for enterprise mobility management (EMM), which allows administrators to deploy and manage mobile devices, applications, and data.
VMware products offer the following benefits:
VMware Workstation is the first product released by the company. Users can create and run VMs on a single Windows or Linux desktop or laptop. The virtual machines run simultaneously with the physical machines. The virtual machines run their own OS, such as Linux or Windows. The user can run Windows on a Linux machine or vice versa at the same time as the natively installed OS.
VMware Fusion is software that virtualizes Windows or Linux on Mac computers, similar to VMware Workstation.
