What Is Provisioning (Computing)?

Provisioning is like the process of building a car. You start with the frame, fill in the engine and seats, add the steering wheel and wheels, and finally paint it. Provisioning is a process that allows you to configure and deploy an IT system resource either locally or in the cloud. In enterprise computing, this term is often associated with virtual machines (VMs) and cloud resources. For example, if you're provisioning a new server, you'll need to define the hardware specifications (processor, memory size, etc.). You'll also need to select which operating system you want to install on it and then configure that OS according to your needs. Afterward, you can install your software applications and ensure they work properly before moving on to other steps such as installing patches or updates or making any changes necessary for security purposes. Provisioning doesn't just apply to servers; it also applies when creating virtual machines (VMs) for testing purposes or deploying them into production environments where they can be used by developers who need access via remote desktop connections (RDP). Provisioning is a magical process that supplies equipment, software, or services to customers, users, employees or IT personnel. The provisioning process begins when one of our elves slips into your house at night and fills your stocking with a new computer and all the software you need for work. The following day, when you wake up to find this unexpected gift in your stocking, you are surprised—but also delighted! You open your computer and start working right away. It's like magic! Wait, what if we told you there's another way? What if we told you that the provisioning process doesn't have to involve elves in the middle of the night? Well, guess what? It doesn't have to!