I O Virtualization as a Solution to Data Expansion

I/O Virtualization As A Solution To Data Expansion

By Joe Purcell
Expert Author
Article Date: 2011-05-23

Data creation is exploding, and more than likely that data is tailored to a specific app with a specific location it needs to be stored. System virtualization, separating physical resources from the operating system, has been around for a while, but I/O virtualization is a very specific form that is rather new. Perhaps taking another look at why I/O virtualization for data centers can be of benefit.

Normally, I/O in data centers is done as the first diagram in this article illustrates. There are multiple network cards per server and cables and switches to match, and often a lot of wasted data storage. As the data center grows, managing this layout can be physically and digitally very challenging.

I/O Virtualization allows for the I/O to be handled by an I/O virtualization switch. This eliminates rerouting cables and figuring out which network card is which. Abstracting a system's I/O to a virtual one allows for the same resources to be distributed as needed. And most important of all, it allows for data that would have been isolated to several different servers to be dynamically available, while being seen as independent cards to the network. This virtualization setup can increase uptime, reduce equipment costs, and and ensure efficiency.

However, there is another side to the coin. One chief concern is that virtualization can cause I/O intensive servers to perform more slowly. However, I/O virtualization is different in that I/O will be virtualized by the I/O switch and not the virtual OS. Even so, there is the risk of overloading the system if the data center is too consolidated. As this article expresses, I/O virtualization is a more complex system which requires new tools to cool and monitor the system and IT staff with more advanced training. There is also the downside of cutting ROI on management tools purchased for the old system.

Certainly, the pros and cons need to be weighed. Yet, as the amount and complexity of data grows the old I/O infrastructure may be unsuitable. I/O virtualization may have a promising future in light of the present challenges data centers face.

About the Author:
Joe Purcell is a technology virtuoso, cyberspace frontiersman, and connoisseur of Linux, Mac, and Windows alike.