Over Provisioning
Over provisioning is a resource management strategy where more resources (such as storage, compute, or memory) are allocated than are strictly necessary for current workloads, typically to handle peak demand, improve performance, or ensure reliability. It is commonly used in cloud computing, storage systems, and data centers to prevent resource exhaustion and maintain service levels during unexpected spikes in usage. This approach involves intentionally provisioning excess capacity, which can lead to higher costs but reduces the risk of downtime or performance degradation.
Developers should learn about over provisioning when designing scalable systems, especially in cloud environments, to ensure applications can handle variable loads without service interruptions. It is particularly useful for mission-critical applications, such as e-commerce platforms during sales events or streaming services during peak viewing times, where performance and availability are paramount. Understanding this concept helps in making informed trade-offs between cost efficiency and reliability in resource planning.