Virtualization has become a cheap and easy way to recreate a number of features on one computer, such as operating systems and hardware platforms, that would normally require a separate machine.
Let’s take a look at how some popular virtualization solutions stack up to each other.
Proxmox VE
The Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE) is an open source VE for Windows and Linux servers, licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License, version 3. It runs at 32 or 64 bits and uses a Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) for Linux operation. KVM states can be preserved with live snapshots, letting you save the virtual machine settings, memory contents, and the state of all virtual disks. This is useful for testing, as settings can be rolled back to a known working state when necessary. The Proxmox VE High Availability (HA) Cluster gives users the ability to define High Availability virtual machines. If a physical host fails, HA virtual servers are automatically restarted on a working Proxmox VE Cluster HA node. The most basic version of Proxmox VE, supporting one CPU socket, comes in at just over 150.00 USD. If you lease a server from Hivelocity it is just $10 per month.
Open Virtuozzo
Also known as OpenVZ, this open source software can create dozens of virtual private servers (VPS), virtual environments, and operating systems on a single physical machine. It is only built to support Linux. VPSs are managed from a central location with dynamic real-time partitioning, in which resource parameters can be allocated and changed at any time. Quality of service is assured by checking for accordance with service-level agreements. OpenVZ offers a unique virtualization service in that it runs the same OS kernel as the host system, resulting in vastly enhanced efficiency and very little overhead. It is often found as a component of other virtualization software such as the Parallels desktop and cloud virtualization service. This software costs just $10 per month with any Hivelocity dedicated server that supports virtualization.
HyperVM
HyperVM is a multi-virtualization software that allows users to create VPSs based on OpenVZ or Xen software, for Linux or Windows, respectively. It is both free and open source, under the GNU General Public License. HyperVM uses a web-based graphical user interface, making it simple and easy-to-learn. It also arranges client virtual systems hierarchically, allowing you to prioritize servers and resources without overselling. This software is able to integrate with both the WHMCS and AWBS billing systems, letting users control a variety of extra functions from a single control panel. This control panel also allows an administrator to manage the networking configurations of a number of VPSs simultaneously. The most striking feature of HyperVM is its ability to manage a number of important processes and tasks from a single location. HyperVM can be added to any Hivelocity dedicated server for just $10 per month.
Xen
The Xen Hypervisor is another free, open-source virtual machine monitor under the GNU General Public License. It is a type-1 monitor, meaning it is able to run many instances of the same or different operating systems or servers on a single physical machine, simultaneously. Named after the simple way of Zen, Xen is designed to help users simplify server operations and reduce costs. Xen makes use of Transcendent Memory, a method to maximize physical memory utilization by finding underutilized memory and making it available where it is needed. Virtual services can be migrated live, as well as saved and restored. Memory sharing and the ability to share identical pages between HVM guests are available, as well as memory ballooning and the ability to respond dynamically to changes in memory allocation. In addition to the Xen Hypervisor, the Xen community has developed the Xen Cloud Platform XCP. The XCP is designed to save users money in management, power, and cooling costs by consolidating server workloads. Managed cloud services let clients optimize the use of their physical hardware and give them the ability to adapt to new IT protocols and techniques.