Distinguishing the differences between private cloud and virtualization can leave even IT pros confused. “Are they the same? Or different? In what way and how? We have already virtualized most of our computing resources, is a private cloud still relevant to us?” These are questions that are been frequently asked. 

Before getting the answers, let’s set a baseline in the first article of the two-part series listed below.
 

Real Life Examples of Virtualization

Lately, many IT shops have introduced virtualization into existing computing environments. Consolidating servers, mimicking production environment, virtualizing test networks, monitoring networks with honey pots, and adding disaster recovery options. are just a few applications of employing virtualization. Some also run highly virtualized IT with automation provided by system management solutions. Many IT pros recognize the benefits of virtualization, such as including more efficient utilization of servers and associated savings by reducing physical footprint.
 

Virtualization in a Cloud Centric Era

Now that we have moved into a cloud centric era, the question becomes “Is virtualization the same with a private cloud?” or “We are already running a highly virtualized environment, do we still need a private cloud?“ The answers to these questions should always start with, “What business problems are you trying to address?” From there, you can assess if a private cloud solution can fundamentally solve the problem, or if virtualization is sufficient. This is of course assuming there is a clear understanding of the components of virtualization and a private cloud.

Virtualization and cloud computing are not the same. They address IT challenges in different dimensions and operate in different scopes with different levels of impact on a business.