What is the term used for software technology that encapsulates application software from the underlying operating system?

Application virtualization refers to technology that allows application software to be delivered to a user while being effectively separated from the underlying operating system. This means that the application runs in a secure environment or "container" that isolates it from the actual operating system, ensuring that it operates independently. This is particularly valuable in managing applications across different versions of operating systems and improving compatibility since the underlying OS configurations do not impact the application’s performance or functionality.

By utilizing application virtualization, organizations can streamline application deployment, enhance security by restricting access to the operating system, and improve user mobility, as applications can often be accessed from multiple devices without needing to be installed directly on those devices. This encapsulation also allows for better control and management of applications within a corporate environment, making it easier to maintain and update software without affecting the system as a whole.

The other concepts, while related to software and resource management, belong to different categories. System partitioning typically refers to dividing a computer's resources into separate sections for different operating systems or applications, while cloud hosting refers to providing services via the internet using a remote network of servers. Data containerization primarily focuses on packaging data into containers, which is distinct from the encapsulation of application software itself.