Considerations for multiple operating systems of server virtualization

Although there are many techniques for server virtualization, the methods for running two or more operating systems using simulated hardware such as VMware, Hyper-V, and XenServer are similar. In this way, we can run two or more environments in a virtual machine on a physical server. In the server operating system, this virtual machine is the same as the physical server.

If you only run one server, there is no problem in maintaining this status. However, if you run multiple servers, this will cause a great waste of CPU resources.

This is why server virtualization has aroused people's attention. Although there are many techniques for server virtualization, the methods for running two or more operating systems using simulated hardware such as VMware, Hyper-V, and XenServer are similar. In this way, we can run two or more environments in a virtual machine on a physical server. In the server operating system, this virtual machine is the same as the physical server. Because virtual machines can load operating systems of different versions from Windows to Windows server, as well as Windows and Linux hybrid environments, these are highlights of server virtualization.

In any case, avoiding wasting a lot of idle physical server CPU resources should be the biggest advantage for system administrators. If five servers are integrated into one server, the energy consumption will be greatly reduced. Therefore, green IT has become one of the reasons why server virtualization is valued.

Which server virtualization software is selected?

Physical servers and server virtualization software are essential components of server virtualization.

There are various types of server virtualization software in the market, but VMware can be said to occupy a majority of the shares. VMware ESXi is a software that provides virtualization and basic server programs. On the other hand, Infrastructure3 is bundled with management software in addition to programs.

At present, VMware's biggest competitor is probably Hyper-V. In addition to Hyper-V, WindowsServer2008 also provides two forms of Hyper-VServer, which are free of charge. The biggest benefit of Hyper-V is that Windows server can use multiple hardware.

As a competitive product of VMware, Citrix's XenServer has also attracted people's attention. XenServer is an open-source virtualization product based on Xenhypervisor. Its management tool CUI is its biggest highlight. Hypervisor was first used for Linux servers, so it would be better to try XenServer if you primarily use Linux servers. Citrix is currently preparing the XenServerExpress version and plans to launch a more advanced version in the future.

So what kind of virtualization software should I choose? Because the specific usage is different, we cannot generalize it here. In actual situations, choose VMware. In addition, VMware can be said to be a veteran of the virtualization market, and enterprises will be more assured to use VMware products. On the other hand, Microsoft's advantage lies in its free Hyper-V. because Hyper-V is integrated with Windows server, it is more appropriate to use Hyper-V if Microsoft products are the main component of the system and are highly integrated with Microsoft management tools. XenServer is highly integrated with Linux, because the biggest value of XenServer is centered around Linux servers.