Finer Control

With Virtual Volumes, it is much simpler to deliver and enable the right storage service levels according to the specific requirements of individual VMs. By having finer control over storage resources and data services down to the VM level, the VI administrator can create exact combinations and precisely deliver storage service levels. Over-provisioning is eliminated because each VM will consume the exact resources needed - nothing less, nothing more.

Flexibility of Choice

Virtual Volumes is an industry-wide initiative that will allow IT organizations to leverage the unique capabilities of their current storage investments and transition without disruption to a simpler and more efficient operational model. IT organizations can also manage heterogeneous storage using a common control plane.

Streamlined Storage Operations

For both the VI Admin and the Storage Admin, Virtual Volumes greatly simplifies management over the existing operational model. Virtual Volumes allows separating the presentation from consumption of storage for VMs. In the VMware SDS model with Virtual Volumes, the Storage Admin sets up the Virtual Volumes datastore, which defines the capacity and data services. The VI Admin then uses the capabilities available in the datastore to compose policies. Any service level changes are reflected by simply changing policies. The Storage Admin is responsible for upfront setup, but the VI Admin is self-sufficient after that.