Managing Virtual Storage

The virtual machine (VM), which is a computer program requires storage for its data. Virtual storage can be utilized to enhance the performance a VM by offering a single storage https://duediligencedataroom.blog/sensitive-data-safely-stored-with-a-smartroom-vdr/ device or network-based storage as multiple types. The VM can access it without identifying the underlying hardware.

Managing virtual storage requires the careful balance of capacity, performance and cost. Administrators must decide whether or not to deploy all solid-state drives or hard-drive disks. They must also decide on the type and number of storage controllers to install; and how to combine them in a hybrid configuration. IT managers can cut down on storage costs by using compression and deduplication.

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

The virtual storage model decreases hardware expenses by separating the operating system from the physical devices and by providing an administrative point. It also provides scalability by automatically adapting the physical capacity to meet demand. Additionally, it permits administrators to carry out a variety of tasks in a non-disruptive fashion such as transferring data off storage devices that are being over-utilized. This is done by using a technique called data migration. The granularity of mapping determines the speed of meta-data updates that can be completed, how much space will be needed during the process of migration and the speed at which the previous location will become free.