What does 'Bare Metal' refer to in the context of server management?

In the context of server management, 'Bare Metal' refers to a physical server that is not running any virtualization layer. This means that the operating system is installed directly on the hardware without any intermediary software, allowing the server to utilize its full resources and capabilities.

This is beneficial for applications that require high performance and low latency, as there is no overhead associated with virtualization. Bare Metal servers provide full control over the hardware and optimize resource allocation, making them ideal for certain enterprise applications or high-performance computing scenarios.

The other options reflect different types of server environments, such as virtualized customers using hypervisors or cloud services, where resources are typically shared among multiple users, which contrasts with the dedicated nature of Bare Metal servers. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective server management and deployment strategies.