Virtualizing Staffordshire Universities IT Services - Assignment Example

Virtualizing Staffordshire Universities IT Services By Computer Science and Information Technology of Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 1.0 Introduction 3 1.1 Cloud computing 3 1.2 Virtualization 4 2.0 How they work together 5 3.0 Benefits of cloud computing 7 4.0 Concerns of cloud computing 7 5.0 Cloud service models and virtualization technologies 8 6.0 Higher education institutions researched 9 6.1 Florida Atlantic University 9 6.1.1 The benefits realized 9 6.2 Miracosta College 10 6.2.1 The Benefits realized 10 7.0 Why use EXSi server for Staffordshire University 10 Source: http://charm.cs.illinois.edu/manuals/html/ampi/manual.html 12 7.1 Risks and problems faced 13 8.0 Recommendation 13 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Cloud computing Cloud computing is a term used to mean the practice of storing data and programs and accessing them over the internet instead of using the computer hard drive. The cloud is used as a metaphor for the internet. When data is stored and programs run from the hard drive, the practice is called local storage and computing (ROUNTREE and CASTRILLO 2013). In local storage, everything needed is physically close. For it to be considered cloud computing, data is accessed from or synchronized to the internet. In a cloud computing system, the workload shifts so that the local computers no longer have to do all the work that comes with running applications rather, the work is done by the network computers that make up the cloud. The hardware and software that the user requires decreases so that the only thing that the user requires is the cloud computing system interface software that can be as simple as a web browser such as Gmail or Hotmail. Cloud computing dates back to the earlier days of flow charts and presentations whereby the server-farm on the internet was represented as a puffy, white cumulonimbus cloud that accepted connections and doled out information as it floated (HESS and NEWMAN 2010). Objectives 1. Illustrate how virtualization works 2. Benefits of Cloud computing 3. Illustrate various cloud service models and virtualization technologies 4. Illustrate the implementation process and the functionality of the virtualization in Staffordshire University and other higher learning institutions 1.2 Virtualization Virtualization refers to the act of creating a virtual version of something including even though not limited to computer hardware platform, operating systems and storage devices. It began as a method of dividing the system resources provided by mainframes between several different applications, and the term has been widening in use since then. It is now not just about servers, but about the creation of efficient, responsive IT environment through making virtually the entire data center (MIKKELIN et al, 2010). Consider the following illustration that indicates the process of virtualization Source: http://www.itworksite.com/products/virtualization/ Some of the benefits attributed to virtualization include improving asset utilization, lowering capital and power as well as cooling costs. In addition, virtualization improves efficiency and accessibility of the resources requisite in an organization. Further, it is helpful in reducing the management touch points and accelerating the delivery of IT services. It is imperative to note that, the virtualization software makes it possible for one to run numerous operating systems on the same server concurrently. The technology of virtual machine monitors is attributed to the whole process. This helps in separating computer environments from the actual physical infrastructure (AHMED & SARKAR, 2013). Of critical importance, virtualization enables installation of an automated datacenter which is constructed on a virtualization platform, helps in responding to the ever dynamics relative to the market and its players in a more effective and faster way. The process of virtualization allows various strategies designed by I.T specialists to be implemented. 2.0 How they work together Cloud computing considers the front end and the back end which is connected through the internet. The front end involves the computer user while the back end is the cloud of the system. The front end includes the clients computer and network and the applications that are requisite to access the cloud (EMC EDUCATION SERVICES, 2012). Not all the cloud computing systems have the same user interfaces. For instance, whereas the services such as web based email programs require the use of the web browsers, others apply unique applications that provide network access. As indicated in the illustrations there are several computers, servers and systems for data storage that form the cloud on the back end of the system. Usually, each application has its own server. A central server administers the system, monitoring traffic and the demands of the client to make sure that all things run as they are in their evaluation of virtualization. It follows a set of protocols/rules that use software known as middleware. Middleware allows the computers that are networked to communicate with each other. Often times the servers do not run at full capacity implying that there is an unused processing power that is being wasted. Like in the case of the Staffordshire University which has over 20,000 students a lot of power which would have gone to each computer for all the students. This case scenario explains the aspect of the cost reduction attributed to the process of virtualization in the Staffordshire University. The physical server can be fooled in such a way that it has multiple servers, each running with an independent operating system. This is referred to as server virtualization. The advantages that are attributed to this kind of virtualization include the maximization of the output of individual servers and reduction of the need for more physical machines. For a cloud computing company that has a lot of clients, there is a high likelihood of demand for a lot of storage space as argued by MULLER (2005). They require at least twice the number of space storage devices require in order to be able to store all the information of the client. It must make a copy of all information and store it on other devices (redundancy). These copies enable the server to access back up machines to retrieve data. In essence, virtualization is different from cloud computing in that its software manipulates hardware while cloud computing refers to a service that comes as a result of that manipulation. It is a foundation element of cloud computing in evaluation of virtualization. 3.0 Benefits of cloud computing The applications are numerous. With the right middleware, a system can execute all programs run by a normal computer. The advantages of this are: It enables access of data to clients from anywhere at any time since data is not confined to a hard drive. It would bring down the costs of hardware as one wouldn’t need to keep up and buy the fastest computer with the most memory rather, a terminal would be needed in monitoring the processes. Corporations that rely on computers are able to get wide access to computer applications as they do not have to buy a set of software and licenses for every employee. Cloud computing offers the companies an option to store data on hardware, eliminating the need for physical space on the front end. Corporations cut costs on IT support. 4.0 Concerns of cloud computing The biggest concern about cloud computing is security and privacy. The idea of handing important data over to another company causes concerns. Corporate executives could hesitate in embracing it because they have no control over their information. The counterargument to this is that companies that are offering these cloud computing services largely depend on their reputations and therefore putting security measures in place is in their best interest, otherwise they lose their clients (MULLER, 2005). The issue of privacy is also another concern. The ability for a client to log in from any location to access data and applications presents possibilities for the client’s privacy to be compromised. Cloud computing companies need to find ways of protecting the privacy of a client. They could involve the use of authentication techniques such as user names and passwords, or authorization whereby each user can access only the data and applications that are relevant to their job. Other questions that regard cloud computing are more philosophical. Who owns the data, the user subscribing to the cloud computing service or the company offering these services? Is it the cloud computing system that owns the actual storage space? Is there a possibility for the cloud computing company to deny a client access to their data? These questions are being debated by different companies, law firms and universities (MULLER, 2005). Another question that arises is how the adoption of the system will affect other industries such as computer maintenance and repair and IT job availability. 5.0 Cloud service models and virtualization technologies There are three cloud service models which include: Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) - it fulfills the primary objective of an organization which is to reduce the time and money that is required in provision, procurement and installation of new hardware systems. In this model, the service provider is responsible for housing running and maintaining equipment. Platform as a service (PaaS) – it provides computational resources through the platform. It is built upon principles of IaaS by offering an environment to build and develop applications faster and in a high quality manner. It eliminated dependency on hardware and provides a simple model for deployment. Software as a service (SaaS) – it is the most basic form and includes implementing specific business functions. Its major benefit is that there is no risk for licensing involved or compatibility issues. Typical examples are such as ERP and Google Docs. Virtualization technologies include: Storage virtualization whereby many network storage devices are put into what appears to be a single unit. Server virtualization that involves partitioning of a physical server into smaller servers which are virtual. Operating system-level virtualization is a type of server virtualization technology that works at the operating system layer. Network virtualization uses network resources through logically segmenting a single physical network Application virtualization 6.0 Higher education institutions researched 6.1 Florida Atlantic University They have involved the use of virtual desktops hosted on virtualized servers. Users in the laboratories access the virtual desktop with a PC. The most important processing takes place at the server level so the PC hardware is not much importance. Then clients enhance information security as they do not store data on board. Software that students use to access the virtual desktop is based on their specific needs as argued by MULLER (2005). A similar case applies to the faculty members and researchers even though they need desktops that have the higher end modeling software, together with greater CPU power and RAM to run more complex simulations. 6.1.1 The benefits realized It provided a much more efficient data storage There was no software restriction (versatility) The needs of the students and faculty are met with the same hardware 6.2 Miracosta College The university has 20 000 students. The institution is located in the Southern California that has recently struggled to provide its students with specialized software programs for their coursework. The increasing number of individuals made it difficult for them to schedule lab time. They implemented a virtualization program to allow the students to access a personal desktop from campus, home or anywhere else as noted by MULLER (2005) in their evaluation of virtualization. 6.2.1 The Benefits realized The institution is able to consolidate server space 95% of the campus has been virtualized Students now have access to programs that they need The school has saved money by the consolidation of server space The school is able to centrally manage the formerly dispersed system 7.0 Why use EXSi server for Staffordshire University The university provides higher education in the whole county and has its activities centered on the Stoke and Stafford campuses. Virtualization will help by providing a centralized management of data. It delivers degree courses through class rooms and laboratories. Virtualizing will reduce the need for these laboratories and ensure that students can access this information from wherever they are and thereby providing room for expansion in terms of student capacity as argued by MULLER (2007). The university uses Blackboard VLE largely and on a daily basis to organize and deliver study modules a factor which can be eliminated through virtualization. This virtualization software creates and runs its own kernel, resulting in a micro kernel that has three interfaces, the hardware, guest system and the service console. It has a simple security profile configuration, short installation times and is easy to boot even from a USB device (EMC EDUCATION SERVICES, 2012). It is imperative to note that, programming removes the need to install and control third party management agents. It has a compact size and reduced number of components that means that it needs fewer patches and thus results to shorter service windows and lower security vulnerabilities. On the other hand, the implementation of the Cisco program and its applications which operate on the Cisco Unified Computing System will see the University create modern and elevated ways of carrying out research, tutoring and learning from anywhere. This program will see the university create links with other higher learning institutions and this will promote the student exchange programs. Implementation of the virtualization program at Staffordshire University is a revolutionizing step towards attaining the learning and teaching needs of the both the students and tutors of the 21st century. The various aspects of virtualization including the installation of the ESXi software and the overall implementation of the virtualized system is motivated by the need to safe students from the hard task of attending classes, increase the use and data safety in the datacenter (LOWE, 2011). In addition the implementation process of the virtualized system is of immense essence to the Staffordshire University since it facilitates the overall strategy of bringing your own device by both tutor and students. The whole process is aimed at making learning materials which include the laboratories accessible to students and any other interested party from any remote point. Consider the following illustration that indicates the process of implementing the virtualized system in Staffordshire University Source: http://charm.cs.illinois.edu/manuals/html/ampi/manual.html The above process is guided by the following procedure Development of the Computational Science and Engineering applications Develop appropriate the correct codes through the use of numerical approaches Implement the correct the input and output data Perform the correct visualizations Ensure that the programs are efficient and correct to avoid repetitions of the same process when evaluating the system Test the system Evaluate the system for any unforeseen errors Then the developer should be allowed to leave the virtual processors to run system under runtime. At this point, the Charm ++ scheduler coordinates all the threads attributed to the processes execution Upon completion of this process, the various features such as student portal, access to learning, teleconferencing among others are added. The functionality of this system dependent on the weight and structure of the features that were added (LOWE, 2011). The features of more data storage abilities were added and attained by this program. This implies that, the students will have no problem of carrying around with them large chunks of information. The implementation process of the system in the Staffordshire University ends with immense benefits attributed to both he students and tutors. The students will be able access information without necessary walking long distances. In essence, the system enables students to receive tutorials from their tutors’ terms of teleconferencing. 7.1 Risks and problems faced Installation issues with the ESXi software Virtual security risks introduced that require the use of passwords and authentication codes Attacks on paravirtualized drivers by components of virtual machine 8.0 Recommendation The adoption of the virtualization technology into other services and departments would help in reducing costs and saving on IT technologies as noted by LOWE (2011) in their evaluation of virtualization. The university could consider other virtualization technologies that would better serve their interests. Storage virtualization could help them in managing the large amounts of information exchanged between campuses. In order to encourage how these technologies are embraced, the university could put in place a system to create awareness among the members of faculty, staff and students as argued by LOWE (2011) and This would ensure maximum utilization of these technologies. 9.0 References AHMED, F., & SARKAR, P. (2013). Implementing Cisco UCS Solutions. Birmingham, Packt Publishing. http://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=1441768. EMC EDUCATION SERVICES. (2012). Information storage and management storing, managing, and protecting digital information in classic, virtualized, and cloud environments. Hoboken, John Wiley & Sons. http://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=818014. FURHT, B., & ESCALANTE, A. (2010). Handbook of cloud computing. New York, Springer. LOWE, S. (2011). Mastering VMware vSphere5. Hoboken, N.J., Wiley. MIKKELIN AMMATTIKORKEAKOULU, & TUHKANEN, AKI. (2010). Server Consolidation with VMware ESXi 3.5 . Mikkelin ammattikorkeakoulu. MULLER, A. (2005). Virtualization with VMware ESX Server. Rockland, MA, Syngress. Read More