Storage virtualization is a technique that combines storage space on physical hardware with software-defined storage accessible from any device. Virtual data storage, in contrast to dedicated disk arrays, is adaptable, and offers greater capacity utilization and a lower chance of running short of space. It also eliminates the traditional redundancies in hardware and reduces initial costs as well as time used in the deployment and upgrade of a storage system.
There are various types of storage virtualization that range from host-based to network-based. Simple storage devices, like single hard disk drives do not provide any form of virtualization, however more advanced RAID myvirtualstorage.blog/ipo-preparation-process-and-timeline/ arrays have a similar function: they present multiple physical disks to servers as a single device by striping and replicating data across them. This approach has the advantage of increased I/O performance as well as a simplified method of troubleshooting and identification of issues.
File virtualization addresses the NAS (network-attached storage) challenges of location independence by removing dependence on the physical file system or directory location. This allows enterprises to optimize storage and server resources, and perform non-disruptive files migrations.
There are two main types of virtual data storage solutions: cloud and VDRs storage. VDRs, also called virtual data rooms, are employed by companies who want to streamline their due diligence processes, fundraising or mergers and acquisitions, by allowing collaboration in a secure space. They are generally accessible 24 hours a day and provide several tools to streamline project management, user tracking and data-gathering. Contrary to this, a cloud storage system allows data to be stored remotely in the cloud. While this may be more scalable, users must entrust their data to a third-party which could raise privacy concerns.