What does oversubscription refer to in storage management?

Oversubscription in storage management refers to the practice of allocating more resources to users or applications than are physically available. This technique is often used because it capitalizes on the reality that not all allocated resources are used to their full capacity at all times. For example, in a virtualized environment, many virtual machines (VMs) may be given more storage capacity than the physical storage can support simultaneously, based on the assumption that not all VMs will need to access their full capacity at the same time. This can enhance resource utilization and efficiency, making it a common strategy in dynamic environments where workloads fluctuate.

The concept hinges on statistical and usage patterns, where organizations can effectively manage and optimize their storage resources while still providing adequate capacity to meet user demands. It’s a balancing act between not having enough resources and over-provisioning, and it can lead to significant cost savings in terms of hardware and resources.