The virtual machine (VM) requires storage for its data as well as system and program files. Virtual storage can be utilized to improve the performance of the VM by offering a single storage device or network-based storage as multiple types. Then the VM can access it without knowing the actual hardware.

The management of virtual storage requires a careful balance between performance, capacity and cost. Administrators must decide whether or not to install all solid-state drives or hard-drive disks, what kind and number of storage controllers to use; and how to integrate them in a hybrid configuration. IT managers can reduce storage costs by using compression and deduplication.

There are three kinds of RAID groups: logical volumes (LV) and physical disks. Physical disks and groups of RAID divide the physical capacity into smaller units that servers or applications interpret as a single storage device. A virtualization layer translates I/O requests sent by the server to the correct physical disk.

The virtual storage model reduces hardware overhead by separating the operating system from the physical devices and by providing an administrative point. It also facilitates scalability by automatically altering the physical capacity to meet demand. It also allows administrators to perform a variety of tasks in a non-disruptive manner, such https://duediligencedataroom.blog/important-considerations-to-make-when-choosing-business-software as moving data from over-utilized devices. Data migration is a method that permits this to be accomplished. The granularity of mapping determines the speed at which meta-data updates can be made, the amount of much space will be required for migration, and how quickly the previous location will become free.