What is a Virtual Machine?
A virtual machine (VM) is a digital version of a physical computer. Virtual machine software can run programs and operating systems, store data, connect to networks, and do other computing functions, and requires maintenance such as updates and system monitoring.
Learn about virtual machines and VM family types that are available with Compute Engine, the cloud-based computing infrastructure from Google Cloud.
Ready to get started? New customers get $300 in free credits to spend on Google Cloud.
Important resources
Virtual machine defined
A VM is a virtualized instance of a computer that can perform almost all of the same functions as a computer, including running applications and operating systems.
Virtual machines run on a physical machine and access computing resources from software called a hypervisor. The hypervisor abstracts the physical machine’s resources into a pool that can be provisioned and distributed as needed, enabling multiple VMs to run on a single physical machine.
How multiple virtual machines work
Multiple VMs can be hosted on a single physical machine, often a server, and then managed using virtual machine software. This provides flexibility for compute resources (compute, storage, network) to be distributed among VMs as needed, increasing overall efficiency. This architecture provides the basic building blocks for the advanced virtualized resources we use today, including cloud computing.
Solve your business challenges with Google Cloud
What are virtual machines used for?
Consolidate servers
VMs can be set up as servers that host other VMs, which lets organizations reduce sprawl by concentrating more resources onto a single physical machine.
Create development and test environments
VMs can serve as isolated environments for testing and development that include full functionality but have no impact on the surrounding infrastructure.
Support DevOps
VMs can easily be turned off or on, migrated, and adapted, providing maximum flexibility for development.
Enable workload migration
The flexibility and portability that VMs provide are key to increasing the velocity of migration initiatives.
Improve disaster recovery and business continuity
Replicating systems in cloud environments using VMs can provide an extra layer of security and certainty. Cloud environments can also be continuously updated.
Create a hybrid environment
VMs provide the foundation for creating a cloud environment alongside an on-premises one, bringing flexibility without abandoning legacy systems.
Related products and services
Compute Engine, Google Cloud’s flexible virtual machine offering, provides computing infrastructure in the form of predefined and customizable VMs. It’s designed to accelerate cloud transformation.
