What problem does virtualization primarily address in IT?

Virtualization primarily addresses the 1:1 resource problem by allowing multiple virtual machines (VMs) to run on a single physical server. Traditionally, each server was dedicated to a single application or service, leading to inefficient use of resources as many servers would remain underutilized. Virtualization enables a single hardware server to host several VMs, each operating its own OS and applications independently. This leads to more efficient resource utilization because it allows IT teams to maximize the capabilities of their existing hardware, dynamically allocate resources, and scale efficiently without the need for an equivalent number of physical servers.

This aspect of virtualization is essential as it helps in optimizing performance, energy consumption, and space utilization in data centers, all while simplifying management and deployment processes. By addressing the 1:1 resource problem, organizations can operationalize their IT environments more effectively, driving down costs and improving service delivery without compromising on the flexibility and scalability that modern IT demands.