What is the main advantage of using virtualization in IT infrastructure?

The main advantage of using virtualization in IT infrastructure is that it allows for more efficient use of physical resources and can improve flexibility and scalability. Virtualization enables multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server, leading to optimized resource utilization. For example, CPUs, memory, and storage can be shared among various virtual machines, which minimizes waste and maximizes performance. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for environments with fluctuating workloads, allowing organizations to allocate resources dynamically based on demand.

Additionally, virtualization enhances flexibility by facilitating rapid deployment and management of IT services. New virtual servers can be created, deployed, and modified in a matter of minutes rather than requiring the time-consuming process of acquiring and setting up physical hardware. This agility supports business continuity, disaster recovery, and the ability to scale operations quickly to meet changing demands.

In contrast, increasing physical hardware requirements would contradict the essence of virtualization, as its primary goal is to reduce reliance on physical machines. Simplifying network architecture, while it may be a benefit in some cases, is not the main purpose of virtualization, which primarily focuses on server resource management. Lastly, while virtualization may offer some backup efficiencies, it doesn't eliminate the need for backup solutions altogether; effective backup strategies remain essential regardless of the architecture.