How do unikernels use OS architecture?

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Since cloud computing has taken over all businesses in recent years – gone are the days of data being stored on physical hard drives, desktop computers, and large processing systems – we find that new technologies are becoming more and more popular in terms of storing and securing our data. To provide the best experience for data storage and communication between various layers of a business, companies need to figure out the right mechanism to use so they can easily run applications, carry out processes, and secure data against safety breaches. 

But what technology should they use? How is this technology compatible with OS architecture? By using unikernels, a type of cloud computing process that is made of a single machine image – allowing for ultra-fast processing speeds and greater security than other alternatives – businesses will be able to ensure their data is well looked after.

Let’s see how unikernels operate and how they are compatible with OS architecture.

Table of Contents

Unikernels and OS architecture

Cloud computing runs seamlessly because it can hold large amounts of data in an online and digital method. Haven’t you ever heard of the “Cloud”? Just like when you send your photos to the cloud so they can be saved on your Photo Stream and not held solely on your physical device, businesses have the same idea when they use cloud computing.

The most basic version of cloud computing allows businesses to utilize virtual machines. Virtual machines need physical machines to be able to run properly, so businesses would use an individual virtual machine tied to a physical computer to run applications. However, this posed a problem – this did not help the aspect of space or efficiency. Since each virtual machine needed a physical host, this made cloud computing slower and harder to manage. 

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Today, businesses utilize unikernels. By using unikernels, businesses can also effectively learn how to use OS architecture. After all, unikernels are a type of OS kernel that can be considered a single space machine image, making it ideal for running individual software, operating singular applications, and working together with one another to completely operate an entire system. 

Unikernels are typically single-purpose items that will carry out and complete only one task that they are assigned. Instead of spending their time and effort running multiple applications simultaneously, one unikernel is designated one task – that makes it possible for them to use single-purpose OS virtual machines to effectively utilize resources and run quicker than other options. 

Lastly, unikernels are more secure than other choices that businesses can use. Since they have a smaller attack surface area than other choices – like containers – they are less susceptible to hacker attacks. By being able to work together with the OS and running applications faster, unikernels are taking over all businesses that need to effectively run applications daily.

Conclusion

As you can see, unikernels are compatible with the OS that makes them secure, fast, and reliable. Instead of using containers or virtual machines – that are slower and less secure -, unikernels make it possible to use an OS server to allow fast-running of singular applications.