Proposal for Virtualization - Hailon Ltd.

Name and Student ID

Module name: Virtualization
Module code: COCS70665
Contact name
Submission deadline: Friday 10th January 2025 at 16:00
 Table of Contents
Table of Contents..........................................................................2

Executive Summary.......................................................................3

1. Introduction............................................................................ 4

2. Comparison of Type 2 Virtualization Solutions...........................5

2.1 Overview of Type 2 Virtualization.................................................5

3. Proposed Solution to the Operating System Replacement Using

Virtualization................................................................................9

3.1 Current Challenges.....................................................................9

3.2 Proposed Solution......................................................................9

3.3 Proof of Concept.......................................................................11

4. Proposed Solution to the Server Room Device Risks Using

Virtualization.............................................................................. 12

4.1 Current Challenges...................................................................12

4.2 Proposed Solution.....................................................................12

4.3 Proof of Concept.......................................................................14

5. Social, Legal, and Environmental Impacts...............................16

5.1 Social Impact............................................................................16

5.2 Legal Impact.............................................................................16

5.3 Environmental Impact...............................................................16

6. Conclusion.............................................................................17

Bibliography............................................................................... 18
 List of Figures
Figure 1: Setting up Windows OS in VMWare.................................................11
Figure 2: Setup of Ubuntu OS in the same VMWare configuration.................12
Figure 3: System Architecture for Virtualization Solution Using VMware
Workstation – This diagram illustrates the virtualization setup for Hailon Ltd.
The physical workstation runs VMware Workstation as the hypervisor, hosting
two virtual machines: one for Windows 10 to run 3DMakeScan and another
for Ubuntu 23.04 to run Scan23D. Both VMs share access to centralized
storage, enabling seamless collaboration and efficient project management.
.......................................................................................................................13
Figure 4: VMWare homepage.........................................................................14
Figure 5: Installed VMs...................................................................................15
Figure 6; Current and Proposed setups..........................................................17
Figure 7: Windows OS virtualization settings of memory (2GB, 2 Processors,
60GB hard disk size, and network adapters).................................................18
Figure 8: Linux OS virtualization settings of memory (2GB, 2 Processors,
60GB hard disk size, and network adapters).................................................18
Figure 9: Screenshot of VMware vSphere Web Client showing a Windows
virtual machine running on the 'RunCore SATA3 mSATA SSD 256GB'
datastore. The Windows Optimize Drives utility is open, displaying drive
details for the virtual machine. This demonstrates the configuration and
functionality of a virtual machine hosted on the VMware ESXi platform.......20
Figure 10: Screenshot of VMware vSphere Web Client showing datastore
details, including a 256GB SATA SSD datastore named 'Run-Core SATA3
mSATA SSD 256GB.' The summary tab displays storage usage, capacity, and
associated virtual machines, with alarms and recent tasks visible...............21
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Executive Summary
This report explores how virtualization can address Hailon Ltd.’s technology challenges. The
company struggles with inefficiencies in switching between operating systems and maintaining
multiple physical servers. To solve these problems, VMware Workstation is recommended for
seamless OS switching on workstations, enabling Windows 10 and Ubuntu to run side by side.
For the server room, VMware ESXi is proposed to consolidate physical servers into virtual
machines, supported by FreeNAS for data backup and redundancy. These solutions will save
costs, boost employee productivity, improve system reliability, and reduce the company’s
environmental impact, preparing Hailon Ltd for future growth.
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1. Introduction

Hailon Ltd is a startup in Manchester, UK, specializing in 3D scanning and printing. The
company has 20 employees who work flexibly, often taking on multiple roles. However, they are
facing some big technology problems.

One major issue is that employees need to use two operating systems, Windows 10 and Ubuntu,
for their 3D design software, like “3DMakeScan” and “Scan23D.” Since there aren’t enough
computers, they have to reinstall the operating systems every time they switch, which takes about
three hours. This wastes time, lowers productivity, and frustrates employees.

Another problem is the server room. The company uses several physical servers for tasks like
controlling 3D scanners, hosting their website, and storing data. These servers are expensive to
maintain, not very efficient, and don’t have backups in case something goes wrong. It’s also hard
to scale up without spending more on hardware.

This report suggests using virtualization to fix these problems. Virtualization can remove the
need for constant OS reinstallations, reduce the number of physical servers, and make the system
more efficient. The report will compare different virtualization tools, propose solutions for both
workstations and servers, and include examples with diagrams and screenshots. The goal is to
help Hailon Ltd save money, boost productivity, and prepare for growth.
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2. Comparison of Type 2 Virtualization Solutions

2.1 Overview of Type 2 Virtualization

Type 2 hypervisors are virtualization programs that run on top of an existing operating system.
Unlike Type 1 hypervisors, which work directly with the hardware, Type 2 hypervisors depend
on the main operating system to manage things like CPU, memory, and storage. Examples of
Type 2 hypervisors are VMware Workstation, VirtualBox, and Parallels Desktop.

The main role of a Type 2 hypervisor is to allow users to create and run multiple virtual
machines (VMs) on a single physical machine (AWS, 2024). Each VM can run a different
operating system, such as Windows or Linux, independently from the others. This makes it ideal
for situations like Hailon Ltd.’s, where employees need to switch between Windows 10 and
Ubuntu for different software applications.

For Hailon Ltd, a Type 2 hypervisor can solve the OS-switching problem by enabling both
operating systems to run side by side on the same workstation. Employees can simply switch
between virtual machines instead of reinstalling the OS every time. This approach significantly
reduces time wasted, as the need for reinstallation (which takes about three hours) is eliminated.
It also improves productivity, as employees can access both environments quickly and
efficiently.

2.2 Detailed Comparison of Type 2 Virtualization Technologies

There are several Type 2 virtualization technologies available in the market, but the three most
commonly used are VMware Workstation, VirtualBox, and Parallels Desktop (Pandey, 2020).
Each of these technologies has unique strengths and weaknesses, and they can be evaluated
based on criteria such as ease of use, performance for CAD and 3D software, resource
requirements, compatibility with existing systems, and licensing costs. Below is a detailed
comparison of these three technologies.
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VMware Workstation
Ease of Use: VMware Workstation offers a professional-grade interface that is user-friendly but
might feel overwhelming to beginners due to its extensive configuration options (VMWare,
2024).
Performance: It is optimized for high-performance tasks, including CAD and 3D applications,
making it ideal for Hailon Ltd.’s requirements.
Resource Requirements: Requires a relatively high level of system resources, especially CPU
and memory, to run effectively.
Compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows and
Linux, and supports integration with cloud platforms.
Licensing and Cost: VMware Workstation is a paid software, with licensing costs starting at
around $150 per workstation. It offers advanced features but might be expensive for smaller
businesses.

VirtualBox
Ease of Use: VirtualBox is known for its simple interface and is beginner friendly. However, it
lacks some advanced features available in VMware Workstation and Parallels Desktop (Juneja,
2024).
Performance: While it performs decently, it is not optimized for resource-heavy tasks like CAD
and 3D modeling. It might experience lag when running intensive applications.
Resource Requirements: VirtualBox is lightweight and runs well on most systems, even with
limited resources.
Compatibility: Supports a wide range of host and guest operating systems, including Windows,
Linux, and macOS. However, it sometimes struggles with advanced hardware compatibility.
Licensing and Cost: VirtualBox is open-source and completely free, making it an attractive
option for businesses looking to reduce costs.

Parallels Desktop
Ease of Use: Parallels Desktop is designed with a focus on simplicity and is extremely easy to
use, even for non-technical users (Parallels, 2024).
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Performance: It is highly optimized for running macOS as the host system and performs
exceptionally well with CAD and 3D software in macOS environments. However, performance
may vary on non-macOS systems.
Resource Requirements: Like VMware, Parallels is resource-intensive and requires a high-
performance system to run smoothly.
Compatibility: Best suited for macOS users. While it can support other operating systems, it is
less compatible with Linux environments compared to VMware or VirtualBox.
Licensing and Cost: Parallels Desktop is a paid product with an annual subscription model,
starting at $99 per year. It is less expensive than VMware Workstation but still incurs recurring
costs.

Comparison Table

Criteria VMware Workstation VirtualBox Parallels

Desktop
Ease of Use Professional-grade, Simple and beginner- Extremely
advanced configuration friendly simple, designed
for ease
Performance Excellent for CAD/3D Decent but lags with Excellent on
software heavy applications macOS, average
otherwise
Resource High system resource Lightweight, runs on High system
Requirements usage most systems resource usage
Compatibility Excellent Good Best for macOS,
(Windows/Linux/macOS) (Windows/Linux/macOS limited Linux
) support
Licensing and Paid ($150 per Free Paid ($99/year
Cost workstation) subscription)
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2.3 Recommendation and Justification

I recommend VMware Workstation for Hailon Ltd. It works really well with heavy software like
3DMakeScan and Scan23D, so employees won’t face performance issues. It also supports both
Windows and Linux, which is perfect for the company’s needs. Even though VMware costs more
than VirtualBox, it’s worth it because it offers advanced features and reliable performance. Over
time, it will save money by reducing delays and improving productivity. VMware will solve the
OS-switching problem quickly and make workstations more efficient, which is what the
company needs to move forward.
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3. Proposed Solution to the Operating System Replacement Using

Virtualization
3.1 Current Challenges

Hailon Ltd is facing a serious issue with how employees switch between operating systems on
their workstations. Each employee needs both Windows 10 for the 3DMakeScan software and
Ubuntu 23.04 for the Scan23D software to complete their tasks. However, there are not enough
computers available to dedicate one to each operating system. As a result, employees are forced
to reinstall the operating system every time they need to switch between the two.

This process is inefficient and wastes a lot of time. On average, it takes about 3 hours to reinstall
the operating system and set up the required software. For a company with 20 employees, this
can lead to a significant loss of productivity, especially when employees need to switch between
OS multiple times in a week. For example, if an employee switches even once per week, they
lose 3 hours of work, which adds up to 60 hours of lost work per month across all employees.

This not only slows down project completion but also increases frustration among employees.
Furthermore, reinstalling the OS repeatedly increases the risk of data loss and potential errors,
which could further delay work. This inefficiency is a major barrier to the company’s
productivity and growth.

3.2 Proposed Solution

To solve inefficiency caused in reinstalling operating systems Type 2 hypervisor, can be used.
This is the VMware Workstation. This software allow the creation of multiple virtual machines
(VMs) on single workstation, enabling employees to run Windows 10 and Ubuntu 23.04
simultaneously without need of reinstall either operating system.

Configuration Details:
Each workstation will host two virtual machines:
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1. Windows 10 VM: This VM will be configured to run the 3DMakeScan software.

VMWare set up for the windows OS are shown below:

Figure 1: Setting up Windows OS in VMWare

2. Ubuntu 23.04 VM: This VM will run the Scan23D software. The same setup of
Windows was used to setup Ubuntu as the second VM inside VMWare.
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Figure 2: Setup of Ubuntu OS in the same VMWare configuration

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A shared storage system will be implemented to ensure employees can easily collaborate on
CAD projects. This shared storage will allow both VMs to access the same project files without
manual transfer, saving time and reducing errors.

Aspect Current Process With Virtualization

Time Efficiency 3 hours for every OS switch Instant switching between
VMs
Ease of Use Reinstalling is complex Simple VM interface for
switching
Data Integrity Risk of data loss Secure shared storage for
CAD files
Cost Time lost impacts revenue More efficient use of
employee time

System Architecture Diagram

Figure 3: System Architecture for Virtualization Solution Using VMware Workstation – This diagram illustrates the virtualization
setup for Hailon Ltd. The physical workstation runs VMware Workstation as the hypervisor, hosting two virtual machines: one
for Windows 10 to run 3DMakeScan and another for Ubuntu 23.04 to run Scan23D. Both VMs share access to centralized
storage, enabling seamless collaboration and efficient project management.
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3.3 Proof of Concept

To demonstrate the solution, VMware Workstation is used to set up and configure virtual
machines for Hailon Ltd.
1. Install VMware Workstation:
 Download VMware Workstation from the official website.
 Run the installer, accept the license agreement, and follow the setup instructions.
2. Configure Virtual Machines (VMs):
 Open VMware Workstation and select “Create a New Virtual Machine.”

Figure 4: VMWare homepage

 Choose the Windows 10 ISO and follow the prompts to create a Windows VM.

 Repeat the same process for the Ubuntu ISO to create an Ubuntu VM.
 Assign resources like RAM, CPU, and disk space based on system capacity.
3. Install Required Software:
 Start both VMs.
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Figure 5: Installed VMs.

 Install software (e.g., 3DMakeScan on Windows and Scan23D on Ubuntu).

This solution saves time by eliminating the need for reinstalling operating systems, enabling
quick switching between VMs and improving productivity.
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4. Proposed Solution to the Server Room Device Risks Using

Virtualization

4.1 Current Challenges

Hailon Ltd.’s current server room setup has several issues that are affecting efficiency and
increasing costs. The company relies on multiple physical servers for different tasks, such as
controlling the 3D scanners, managing the NAS (Network Attached Storage) for critical data
storage, running the print server, and hosting the company website. Each server performs only
one task, which means the hardware is not being fully utilized.

This setup leads to high operational costs, as each physical server consumes electricity and
requires regular maintenance. For example, powering and cooling several servers increases
energy bills significantly, and the cost of replacing or repairing multiple machines is also high.

Additionally, the current setup lacks redundancy, meaning if one server fails, the function it
performs (e.g., 3D scanner control) could stop entirely, disrupting the business. This makes the
system unreliable and risky. Furthermore, the current setup is not scalable. As the company
grows, adding more physical servers to handle increased workload will only increase costs and
space requirements, which is not sustainable.

Overall, the server room setup is costly, inefficient, and does not provide the flexibility or
reliability needed for a growing company like Hailon Ltd. This highlights the need for a better,
virtualized solution.

4.2 Proposed Solution

To fix the problems in Hailon Ltd.’s server room, I propose a virtualization solution using
VMware ESXi, a Type 1 hypervisor.
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This will allow the company to combine all their physical servers into one or two powerful
machines. Each machine will run multiple virtual machines (VMs), with each VM performing a
specific task. This setup will save costs, improve reliability, and make the system easier to
manage.
Steps for the Proposed Setup

Figure 6; Current and Proposed setups

1. Install VMware ESXi on Physical Servers:

VMware ESXi will be installed directly on a physical server. It is lightweight and optimized for
hosting multiple VMs efficiently. The setting for each Operating system are to be set to sufficient
storage size and memory capacity:
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Figure 7: Windows OS virtualization settings of memory (2GB, 2 Processors, 60GB hard disk size, and network adapters)

Figure 8: Linux OS virtualization settings of memory (2GB, 2 Processors, 60GB hard disk size, and network adapters)
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2. Create Virtual Machines for Each Task:

 3D Scanner Control: A dedicated VM will handle the control software for the 3D scanners.
 NAS (Network Attached Storage): Another VM will run FreeNAS, providing centralized
data storage and backup.
 Print Server: A lightweight VM will manage print jobs for the office.
 Web Hosting: A separate VM will host the company website. If needed, this task can be
moved to a cloud platform to reduce server load.
3. Use FreeNAS for Backup and Redundancy:
FreeNAS will ensure all critical data is safely backed up and provide redundancy, so files aren’t
lost in case of failure.
4. Optional Cloud Services:
For non-critical tasks like hosting the website, a cloud platform such as AWS, Google Cloud, or
Azure can be used. This reduces the dependency on physical servers.

Benefits of the Virtualization Solution

 Cost Savings: Combining physical servers into one or two machines reduces electricity
and maintenance costs.
 Efficiency: Each server will be used to its full potential by running multiple VMs.
 Redundancy: If one VM fails, others continue to work, minimizing downtime.
 Scalability: Adding new VMs is easy without buying more hardware.

4.3 Proof of Concept

To demonstrate the solution, the following steps explain how VMware ESXi and FreeNAS are
implemented to create a virtualized environment for Hailon Ltd.

Step 1: Install VMware ESXi

 VMware ESXi is installed directly on a physical server. This turns the server into a host
that can manage multiple virtual machines (VMs).

 The ESXi interface is accessed using a web browser, where administrators can control the
server and create virtual machines.
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Step 2: Create Virtual Machines

Four virtual machines are set up to handle the company’s server functions:
1. VM for 3D Scanner Control: Manages operations related to the 3D scanning software.
2. VM for NAS (FreeNAS): Provides secure data storage and redundancy for critical files.

Figure 9: Screenshot of VMware vSphere Web Client showing a Windows virtual machine running on the 'RunCore SATA3
mSATA SSD 256GB' datastore. The Windows Optimize Drives utility is open, displaying drive details for the virtual machine.
This demonstrates the configuration and functionality of a virtual machine hosted on the VMware ESXi platform.

3. VM for Print Server: Handles printing tasks for the entire office.
4. VM for Web Hosting: Runs the company website, with an option to move this task to a
cloud service.
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Figure 10: Screenshot of VMware vSphere Web Client showing datastore details, including a 256GB SATA SSD datastore named
'Run-Core SATA3 mSATA SSD 256GB.' The summary tab displays storage usage, capacity, and associated virtual machines, with
alarms and recent tasks visible.

Step 3: Configure FreeNAS

 FreeNAS is installed on the NAS VM. It is configured to store and back up all critical
data securely.
 Shared folders are set up so employees can access files easily from any VM or
workstation.

This proof of concept demonstrates how VMware ESXi consolidates multiple physical servers
into one efficient virtualized system. It improves reliability, reduces costs, and ensures data is
backed up securely. Though screenshots are unavailable, placeholders represent each step for
clarity in implementation.
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5. Social, Legal, and Environmental Impacts

5.1 Social Impact

Virtualization will make employees’ jobs easier and faster. Instead of wasting hours reinstalling
operating systems, they can switch between tasks quickly. This saves time, reduces stress, and
helps employees be more productive and happy. Plus, using virtualization tools gives employees
a chance to learn new skills, which can benefit their careers.

5.2 Legal Impact

Hailon Ltd must follow data protection laws like GDPR when using virtualization or cloud
storage. This means all data on virtual machines or in the cloud must be safe, encrypted, and
protected from unauthorized access. Tools like VMware ESXi and FreeNAS offer strong security
features to help meet these legal requirements and avoid potential issues.

5.3 Environmental Impact

Virtualization reduces the need for many physical servers, which cuts down on electricity use
and cooling requirements. This helps lower energy bills and reduces Hailon Ltd’s carbon
footprint, making their operations more environmentally friendly.
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6. Conclusion
This report has shown how Hailon Ltd can use virtualization to solve problems. To fix issue of
switching between operating systems, VMware Workstation was chosen because it is easy to use,
works with both Windows and Ubuntu, and saves employees time.

For the server room, VMware ESXi was recommended to replace multiple physical servers with
virtual machines. This will save money, improve system reliability, and make it easier to expand
as the company grows. FreeNAS was also suggested to keep data secure and backed up.

By adopting these solutions, Hailon Ltd can lower costs, increase productivity, and make their IT
systems more efficient. Employees will work more smoothly, and the company will be ready for
future growth. Virtualization offers Hailon Ltd a modern, affordable, and environmentally
friendly way forward.
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