Currently, the world is rapidly moving from traditional data centers to cloud computing. Virtual machines are a key component of cloud computing and can be used to create virtual servers or virtual private servers (VPS). In this article, we explore what a virtual cluster in cloud computing means and how it differs from a traditional physical cluster. Keep reading to discover more.
What is a Virtual Cluster in Cloud Computing?
In cloud computing, a virtual cluster is a group of virtual machines (VMs) that are deployed as a single logical unit. They share the same virtualization software and hardware, and they appear as a single unit to the end-user.
Virtual clusters provide the ability to scale operations easily. You can add or remove VMs to meet changing demands, and you can move VMs to optimize the use of hardware. You can leverage a virtual clustering solution to reduce data center costs, increase efficiency, and increase scalability.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is a type of Internet-based computing that enables you to store and access all your company data, applications, and computing resources from any device with an Internet connection. Cloud computing enables you to access your data and applications from anywhere without purchasing servers, and managing hardware, software, or data backups. To learn more about cloud computing, check this article "What is Cloud Computing?".
You can use computing services from data centers, managed services providers (MSPs), and software-as-a-service vendors (SaaS). Cloud computing can deliver the following benefits for your company:
Differences between Physical and Virtual Cluster
A physical cluster is a group of server units (servers or computer systems) that are deployed physically together in one location or multiple locations, connected with a physical network. A virtual cluster is a group of virtual machines (VMs) deployed as a single logical unit in a single data center or in multiple data centers connected with a virtual network.
Physical clusters are connected by network cables and are managed with a single system console. Virtual clusters are connected by a virtual network and are managed with multiple user consoles. Virtual clusters are created on a single system, and they share the same virtualization software and hardware. Physical clusters are created on different systems, and they have different hardware.
Benefits of Virtual Clusters
Despite the fact that physical clusters are more reliable than virtual ones, VMs are more secure because they are not linked to the hardware. Data security is an important issue for virtual clusters, and there are several ways to secure data.
Virtual clusters are highly scalable, so you can add or remove VMs to meet changing demands, and you can move VMs to optimize the use of hardware. Virtual clusters are easy to manage and provide a higher level of flexibility. Virtual clusters minimize dependencies on hardware and are more reliable during failover and failback operations.
Thanks to high levels of automation, virtual clusters are efficient and easy to use. Virtual clusters are ideal for organizations that want to reduce their capital expenses (CAPEX) and have a limited amount of time to bring new products to market.
Final Words
Virtual clusters are a logical group of virtual machines that appears as one single unit to the end-user. Virtual clusters have many benefits compared to physical clusters.
