A survey of virtualization on mobiles

Abstract

In this paper we cover the landscape of virtualization, with a focus on mobile phones. We present the evolution of virtualization from the 70's to date. We draw parallels between virtualization systems on mainframes, on commodity systems and mobile phones. One clear pattern that emerges is the business need of virtualization and the adoption of virtualization software eventually culminating in hardware support by the processor for virtualization. This last event also plays a key role in standardization and mass adoption of the virtualization software. The mobile virtualization area is quite dynamic and nascent today. However, given the rate of innovation, we expect standardization of mobile virtualization in the coming few years with novel applications not seen before. Some of the research prototypes which we deliberate upon are game changers for the computing industry. In this survey, we also draw attention to key challenges and research areas in mobile virtualization. This paper is an attempt to weave together a holistic picture of mobile virtualization research and industry, and summarize it. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.