The virtualization monitor is a specialized variation of the usage monitor mechanism that provides monitoring functionality specific to virtualization-related usage. A variety of virtualization monitors can be used to perform different forms of monitoring. Virtualization monitors are typically implemented as service agents.

Figure 1 shows a hypervisor cluster being monitored by a virtualization monitor as part of the virtual infrastructure monitor as follows:

1. Hypervisors are installed on the three physical servers.
2. Virtual servers are created by the hypervisors.
3. A shared cloud storage device containing virtual server configuration files is positioned so that all hypervisors have access to it.
4. The hypervisor cluster is enabled on the three physical server hosts via a central VIM, and monitored by the VIM’s virtualization monitor function.

Figure 1 – A virtualization monitor that is part of a VIM monitors a hypervisor cluster.

Related Patterns:

• Hypervisor Clustering
• Load Balanced Virtual Server Instances
• Memory Over-Committing
• Virtual Disk Splitting
• Zero Downtime

This mechanism is covered in CCP Module 7: Fundamental Cloud Security and
in Module 8: Advanced Cloud Security.

For more information regarding the Cloud Certified Professional (CCP) curriculum, visit www.arcitura.com/ccp.

The architectural model upon which this design pattern is based is further covered in:

Cloud Computing Design Patterns by Thomas Erl, Robert Cope, Amin Naserpour

(ISBN: 9780133858563, Hardcover, ~ 528 pages)

For more information about this book, visit www.arcitura.com/books.