Storage Virtualization
Storage virtualization is a technology that abstracts physical storage resources from multiple network storage devices into a single, logical storage pool that can be centrally managed. It enables administrators to present storage to servers or applications without needing to know the underlying physical hardware details, improving flexibility and efficiency. This abstraction layer simplifies storage management, enhances data mobility, and supports features like thin provisioning, snapshots, and replication.
Developers should learn storage virtualization when working in cloud environments, data centers, or enterprise IT systems to optimize storage utilization and simplify infrastructure management. It is crucial for scenarios requiring scalable storage solutions, disaster recovery planning, or migrating data between different storage systems without downtime. Understanding this concept helps in designing resilient applications and leveraging advanced storage features in platforms like VMware, OpenStack, or cloud services.