OSDWH06High value software functionality (such as virtual volume mapping, floating data positioning, and SnapShot) are key to the success of online data storage systems today and in the future. The introduction of new storage technologies that introduce advances in metadata generation, interfaces, capacities, & bandwidth without requiring installation upheaval is required. Virtualization is the mechanism that allows the next generation online storage to be seamlessly integrated. It also allows cost sensitive installations to make use of alternative disk types, (such as commodity PC (ATA) drives instead of SCSI or Fibre Channel drives), to be used effectively without requiring complex installation management. The principles of virtualization are described and some vendor options that incorporate these principles are discussed.