A process and system for virtually managing enclosures. A process determines whether a system includes an enclosure processor, a virtual enclosure processor, or both an enclosure processor and a virtual enclosure processor. The process receives a command by a virtual enclosure processor if it is determined that the system includes the virtual enclosure processor. The virtual enclosure processor manages a peripheral in an enclosure. Additionally, a process activates a virtual enclosure processor in a system including a real enclosure processor. The virtual enclosure processor receives a command. The virtual enclosure processor controls a peripheral.