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.
SAIMC Zambia SAIMC
SAIMC News
SAIMC Zambia marked its 21st anniversary with the annual SAIMC Banquet, held on 29 November 2025 at Mukwa Lodge in Kitwe, Zambia.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Branch closed off its 2025 technology meetings with an exceptionally well-attended session on selecting and applying signal transducers.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban year-end dinner SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban branch hosted its much-anticipated annual year-end dinner at the Mount Edgecombe Country Club on 22 November 2025. Durban’s summer weather provided the perfect backdrop for a warm, ...
Read more...Durban branch
SAIMC
At the Durban branch of the SAIMC held in October, Mitch Naidoo took the attendees on an interesting journey on Asset Health Management: Tracking The Pulse Of Your Plant.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At the Durban branch of the SAIMC held in October, Mitch Naidoo took the attendees on an interesting journey on Asset Health Management: Tracking The Pulse Of Your Plant.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch technical evening was hosted by Proconics Advanced Solutions. The topic of the session was ‘Turning Big 3D Data into Actionable Engineering Insights – Challenges and Smart Solutions’.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council Annual Summit 2025 SAIMC
SAIMC
October 2025 marked a pivotal moment for the South African automation and manufacturing community as the SAIMC User Advisory Council hosted its first annual summit under the SAIMC banner.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg
SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a successful Technology Evening on 10 September. The event was well attended and generously sponsored by Phoenix Contact.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version