Final answer:
VM sprawl is a situation where excessive numbers of virtual machines exist within an IT environment without proper management, leading to potential security risks, increased costs, and management complications. It is best managed by implementing policies, auditing VM usage, and using automation tools.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term VM sprawl refers to a situation within an organization's IT environment where a large number of virtual machines (VMs) are deployed without appropriate management or oversight. This can lead to a variety of issues, including but not limited to redundant VMs, unpatched security vulnerabilities, and a general lack of accountability concerning resource usage. VM sprawl typically occurs in environments where there is rapid or uncontrolled growth of VMs, often as a result of the ease of creating new VMs compared to physical servers. Without proper controls, VM sprawl can increase infrastructure costs, pose security risks, and complicate compliance and management.
There are a number of strategies to tackle VM sprawl, including establishing policies for VM creation, implementing regular audits of VM usage, and employing automated tools for VM lifecycle management. By taking these steps, organizations can maintain control over their virtual environments and ensure that their IT resources are effectively utilized.