Storage virtualization is commonly used in storage area networks. Server virtualization is the masking of server resources -- including the number and identity of individual physical servers, processors and operating systems -- from server users.

What is virtualization used for?

Overview. Virtualization is technology that lets you create useful IT services using resources that are traditionally bound to hardware. It allows you to use a physical machine's full capacity by distributing its capabilities among many users or environments.

How is virtualization used today?

Virtualization relies on software to simulate hardware functionality and create a virtual computer system. This enables IT organizations to run more than one virtual system – and multiple operating systems and applications – on a single server. The resulting benefits include economies of scale and greater efficiency.