What does virtualization mean?
Virtualization is the process of creating an abstract or virtual version of a computer system, resource, or process. In its dominant computing sense, it allows multiple virtual machines or other environments to share the same physical hardware while remaining logically independent. This makes it possible to consolidate servers, isolate systems, deploy software more flexibly, and use hardware more efficiently. The word can also have a broader metaphorical meaning: the transformation of a physical activity or resource into an abstract, centralized, or digitally managed form. Virtualization is closely associated with data centers, cloud computing, containers, and the efficient use of computing infrastructure. Although the term is sometimes used loosely as a synonym for emulation or simulation, those processes have distinct goals. Virtualization remains especially associated with formal technical discussion, while its broader institutional uses convey increased efficiency and manageability.
nounIn computing, virtualization is the creation of an abstract, virtual representation of a computer system or resource, allowing multiple virtual environments to operate on shared physical hardware. More broadly, it refers to representing an entity, process, or resource in an abstract or logical form rather than as a physical object.
- The computing process of creating virtual instances of computer systems or resources so that they can operate independently while sharing underlying physical hardware.
- The broader process of representing an entity, resource, or process in an abstract or logical form rather than as a physical object.
"Server virtualization allows several virtual servers to share the same underlying hardware."
"The company adopted server virtualization to consolidate its infrastructure and improve hardware utilization."
"Virtualization of the filing process has made several administrative tasks easier to manage centrally."
The plural is used when referring to multiple distinct instances or systems of virtualization.
"The two virtualizations use separate networks and security controls."
Virtualization can turn one physical computer into many independent virtual computers without cloning the hardware.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of virtualization
Virtualization was formed in English by combining virtual with the suffix -ization, a grammatical marker derived from Greek -izein, meaning “to make” or “to cause to become.” Virtual comes through French virtuel from Latin virtualis, which was derived from virtus, meaning “strength” or “virtue.” English virtual initially developed in a mathematical sense before acquiring its later association with representing an entity through an abstract medium.
How virtualization is actually used
The term is primarily formal and technical in computing. In business and institutional contexts, it may be used metaphorically for the abstraction or centralization of physical procedures, although this broader use can sound formal or bureaucratic.
Easily confused with virtualization
Virtualization creates a virtual environment that shares the host system's resources, whereas emulation reproduces the behavior of one system, often on a different hardware architecture.
Virtualization provides logical computing environments on real infrastructure, while simulation models the behavior of a system without necessarily recreating its physical implementation.