Why is storage virtualization essential for cloud computing?

Storage virtualization is fundamental to cloud computing because it streamlines the management of various storage devices, thereby optimizing the utilization of resources. This process abstracts the physical storage resources into a virtual layer, allowing them to be managed as a unified pool.

As a result, organizations can allocate storage dynamically according to the needs of applications and services, which enhances efficiency and flexibility. It also simplifies processes such as scaling storage capacity up or down, improving performance, and ensuring data protection, all of which are crucial in a cloud environment where demands can fluctuate. This effectiveness in managing resources underpins the agility and scalability that cloud computing promises, making it a critical aspect of cloud infrastructure.

Other options either misrepresent the function of storage virtualization or focus on limitations rather than the advantages it brings to cloud computing.