Description: Hybrid virtualization is an approach that combines cloud and on-premises computing resources, allowing organizations to manage their workloads more efficiently and flexibly. This model enables companies to leverage the best of both worlds: the scalability and accessibility of public cloud, along with the control and security of on-premises environments. Hybrid virtualization is based on creating an infrastructure that integrates physical and virtual servers, as well as cloud services, facilitating the migration of applications and data between these environments. Key features include the ability to scale resources on demand, cost optimization by using cloud resources only when necessary, and improved business continuity by enabling more effective disaster recovery. This approach is particularly relevant in a world where companies seek to quickly adapt to changing market demands and the growing need for flexibility in their technological operations.
History: Hybrid virtualization began to take shape in the late 2000s as companies started adopting public and private cloud solutions. The need to integrate these environments arose as organizations sought to maximize the efficiency and flexibility of their IT infrastructures. With advancements in virtualization technology and the proliferation of cloud services, hybrid virtualization solidified as a viable solution for many businesses starting in 2010.
Uses: Hybrid virtualization is primarily used in workload management, allowing companies to move applications and data between on-premises and cloud environments as needed. It is also applied in disaster recovery, where organizations can back up critical data in the cloud while maintaining local operations. Additionally, it is useful for various IT operations, as it enables developers and managers to create testing environments in the cloud without compromising local resources.
Examples: An example of hybrid virtualization is the use of Microsoft Azure Stack, which allows companies to run Azure services in their own data centers, thus integrating public cloud with on-premises infrastructure. Another case is companies using VMware Cloud on AWS, where they can extend their VMware environments to Amazon’s cloud, facilitating resource management across both environments.