The July technology evening was presented by Charles Matthews from BCX on the topic “Virtualisation within industrial control systems”. Virtualisation is a hot topic that has moved from being discussed to being implemented at an exponential rate. However, it is easier to adopt within IT environments than within the OT space. In recent years, OT has started moving towards Ethernet-based control, which has had a big influence on the move towards virtualisation.
Johan Maritz (left) thanks Charles Matthews after the presentation.
A couple of benefits of virtualisation include:
• Limited hardware risk as the installed base will be reduced.
• Reduction of environmental footprint (less power needed and less heat generated within datacentre/rack room).
• Virtualise where certain old software applications are not supported on new hardware.
• Quicker turnaround time for application testing and server deployment.
• 100% failback scenarios.
Members enjoy the technology evening.
The most important aspect of virtualisation is the design. Sufficient time should be allowed for this to ensure faultless design before implementation. The amount of resources required is one of the most important aspects of a virtualisation design, while power consumption and capacity to install these resources must also be considered.
The term ‘hypervisor’ is widely used within virtualisation and refers to computer software, firmware and hardware that creates and runs the virtual machines. There are several types of hypervisors, with each type considered depending on the function of the virtual machine.
Virtualisation is a topic that will be around for the foreseeable future and is certainly an exciting development. The branch thanks Charles and BCX for this informative and relevant presentation.
All instrumentation and control related technicians and engineers are welcome to attend the branch’s monthly technology evenings. The planned dates for the rest of the year are: 11 October and 1 November 2018. All presentations earn CPD points for ECSA registered persons and any enquiries can be directed to the branch chairman, Johan Maritz, [email protected] or +27 82 856 3865.
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