Virtualization
Definition
Virtualization is the creation of a software-based, or virtual, version of something, such as a server, storage device, network, or operating system.
This process allows a single physical resource to be divided into multiple isolated environments. Each virtual environment acts as if it were a separate, independent entity. This is achieved through a layer of software known as a hypervisor, which manages and allocates the underlying physical hardware resources to the virtual instances.
For instance, a single physical server can be partitioned into several virtual machines, each running its own operating system and applications.
Virtualization is a foundational technology in cloud computing, data centers, and software development, enabling greater efficiency, flexibility, and resource utilization.