Managing storage efficiently in virtualized environments is crucial. Over time, multiple virtual disks can proliferate, leading to wasted space and increased complexity. This often occurs when virtual machines are deployed, modified, or deleted, leaving behind orphaned or underutilized disk files. For example, a virtual machine might have multiple snapshots, each representing a point-in-time copy of the disk, consuming substantial storage even after the snapshots are no longer needed. This sprawl can impact performance and increase storage costs.
Reclaiming unused disk space and simplifying storage management improves resource utilization and reduces operational overhead. A streamlined storage infrastructure contributes to better performance of virtual machines and reduces the risk of storage-related issues. Historically, managing this type of storage sprawl has been a challenge, requiring manual intervention and specialized tools. However, advancements in virtualization technologies have simplified this process, enabling automated and more efficient approaches to optimize storage utilization.
