Which benefit does cloud computing offer that is enhanced by virtualization?

Cloud computing significantly enhances the reduced physical footprint benefit through virtualization. In a traditional IT setup, each physical server might only host one or two applications or services. This leads to underutilization of hardware and requires a larger physical space to accommodate multiple servers.

Virtualization allows multiple virtual machines (VMs) to run on a single physical server, reducing the number of servers needed and consequently the physical space they occupy. This consolidation not only decreases the space required in data centers but also reduces power consumption and cooling costs, contributing to a more sustainable IT environment.

This benefit is particularly relevant for organizations aiming to optimize their resources and reduce operational costs while maintaining flexibility and scalability. The implications of this are substantial, as businesses can manage their IT infrastructure more efficiently, deploying resources on-demand without the need for excessive physical hardware.