Provisioning refers to the process of preparing and equipping a system or service with the necessary resources to function effectively. This can include allocating hardware, software, and network resources to ensure that applications run smoothly. In cloud computing, for example, provisioning allows users to quickly set up virtual machines and storage as needed. In the context of IT, provisioning can also involve configuring settings and permissions for users and devices. This ensures that each user has access to the tools and information they need while maintaining security. Effective provisioning is essential for optimizing performance and managing resources efficiently in environments like data centers and cloud services.