Importance of Virtual Storage in System i Architecture

Prior to going through the benefits associated with virtual storage in systems, it is imperative to define it. Virtual storage is a system mechanism in which the size of the memory is effectively augmented by automatically transferring sections of a program from a large capacity backing store, such as a disk, into the smaller core memory as they are required. It can also be defined as the memory created by using the hard disk to simulate additional random-access memory (RAM).

It is important to note that the main rationale in virtual storage is the development of a virtual device description that supports virtual storage. The functionality offered by virtual storage makes it an important technology in increasing the efficiency that can be attained by system i architecture based systems. This is because of a number of reasons that have been highlighted as the benefits gained by virtual storage.

Benefits associated with virtual storage include: elimination of media error and user intervention; simplification of software and data distribution; increase in system availability; allowance for the creation of DVD and CD tape; increase in the levels of security that can be attained by object signing and digital signature; and simplification of the process of creating copies with the aid of catalog shadowing. In essence the benefits can be looked at from different perspectives namely increase in system security, availability and usability.

Elimination of media errors ensure availability of the system which is an important aspect in ensuring that system resources are used optimally. Use of digital signatures and object signings that is enhanced by virtual storage improves the security of files stored in a system. Increase in system availability, simplification of copying and software and data distribution are all important in ensuring resources and processor availability thus usability. The performance of a computer system is highly dependent on the utilities that a user is provided and access to processor and system resources. Virtual storage under system i architecture addresses these areas which makes it one of its important technologies.