Storage Virtualization Definition

Storage virtualization is the pooling of physical storage from multiple network storage devices into what appears to be a single storage device that is managed from a central console.

Storage virtualization helps the storage administrator perform the tasks of backup, archiving, and recovery more easily — and in less time — by disguising the actual complexity of a storage area network (SAN).  Administrators can implement virtualization with software applications or by using hardware and software hybrid appliances.