Re-Boot!

A concept that has taken the computing world by storm over the past two years is called “Virtualization”.  It’s cutting edge. It’s exciting, and it can unlock opportunities for teachers in the district that have previously been unavailable.   When virtualization is paired with another older technology called “thin computing”, the possibilities get really intriguing and exciting.  (The next blog post is dedicated to thin client computing).   This whole topic can be somewhat complex to understand. However, it is a central focus of our efforts with online testing.   It will impact every teacher.   I would like to try and explain the fundamentals so we can work from a common base.   I know this may seem hard to understand, but maybe the following brief discussion may be helpful.

The term virtual refers to an artificial object that resembles a real object.  You might think of it as a simulated object or situation.    In other words, a virtual object performs the functions of something that isn’t really (physically) there.   In the computing world, virtualization separates the physical from the simulated (or virtual) ………. Consider some examples:

• An imaginative child’s doll might be considered a virtual playmate.
• A virtual meeting is a simulated meeting where the participants meet over the phone or via the internet.   They aren’t really “meeting”.
• A virtual game opponent is not a person, but rather a simulated opponent created by software
• A virtual tour of a house is a simulation of walking through the house and looking around, but you are not physically there.  There is a separation of the virtual and the physical.
• A virtual computer (sometimes called a virtual machine) is an entire simulated computer.  It has a CPU, hard drive, memory, cd rom, and operating system.  All of these components are created and simulated on another physical computer.

If you can get your mind around that, now consider your desktop computer.  It cost about 1000 dollars.   Its physical characteristics are a Pentium 4/3gigahertz processor, 1 gig of RAM, 1 CD or DVD, an 80 gig hard drive and a monitor.   During the normal day to day use of the computer, let’s assume that you only utilize 50% of the computer capability.   What if you could take the other 50% of the capability and create a smaller, less powerful, VIRTUAL or simulated computer?  What if you could split that 50% and create TWO virtual, simulated machines?   Think about it.  You have ONE physical computer, but you are running TWO additional virtual computers.  On one hardware system, you are actually running three separate and complete systems! Slightly slower and less powerful but now your cost is approximately 333 dollars for each system!

Now imagine that you have a really, really, powerful computer.  Huge hard drive, lots of RAM etc.   One that costs 6000 dollars, but it can host 35 virtual computers!   Suppose it was an extremely powerful server costing $100,000 dollars but with the power to host 1500 virtual computers!   Wow.

• You have plugged in only one physical machine, but you have created 1500 virtual machines.
• The cost per machine deployed is less.   Initial cash outlay is reduced.
• Less power consumption, centralized management and faster deployment.
• The district can reduce costs with more efficient use of resources.
• ONE warranty……..Not 1500 individual warranties.
• The district can respond faster to teacher and student needs.
• The district can increase the availability of teacher applications with a virtualized computer infrastructure.

Hopefully, you can start to see the vision and the economy of scale, as well as the some of the benefits of virtualization. It really is an amazing technology.  Imagine 3 virtualized computers in every classroom for student use!  Virtualization makes this a possibility.  Please realize that it may not work for every situation, but it can make a huge difference for the majority of educational applications.   There are challenges and a lot of work ahead to make this happen, it is really is one of the most exciting innovations in classroom computing.  Weber District has been working to prepare for this innovation for 18 months.  Weber district is in a unique position to leverage what we already have in place, with the innovation of virtualization.  This technology will serve our students and teachers with much greater capacity.   I am excited about the possibilities.

A primary remaining challenge is the method to connect to and display all those virtualized computers. That is the subject of the next technology blog posting.    Look for it.