Which technology utilizes virtualization to provision resources on demand?

Cloud computing employs virtualization to effectively provision resources on demand. By utilizing virtualization technologies, cloud computing allows for the creation of virtual instances of servers, storage, and networks. This infrastructure can be dynamically scaled up or down based on the changing needs of users, enabling a flexible and efficient resource management system.

In a cloud environment, resources like processing power and storage are abstracted from the underlying hardware, allowing for efficient allocation and utilization of physical resources. This means users can quickly deploy applications and services, access storage, or compute resources without being limited by physical hardware constraints. The ability to scale resources on demand is a fundamental characteristic that distinguishes cloud computing from more traditional models.

In contrast, on-premises infrastructure typically relies on physical hardware that requires manual provisioning and management, which lacks the same level of flexibility. Data center management focuses on maintaining and optimizing existing physical resources rather than utilizing virtualization to provision resources. Local server networks are often limited in their scalability and flexibility compared to cloud environments, which leverage the advantages of virtualization to meet fluctuating resource demands effectively.