Server virtualization software enables the creation of multiple virtual servers on a single physical server, dividing the physical server’s hardware and software resources into multiple virtual servers. Each virtual server can run independently with its own operating system and applications. This allows for optimal use of processing power, as each server can be dedicated to a specific task or application.
Several server virtualization solutions are available in the market and VMware is dominating in this market for the last 2 decades. But, with the recent acquisition of VMware by Broadcom and changes in licensing model, organizations and businesses are eying on VMware alternatives solutions. In this article, we’ll discuss 8 best VMware alternative solutions for virtualizations in 2024.
One of the key benefits of server virtualization is consolidation. Many companies will dedicate one physical server to a single application or task. However, if multiple applications or tasks are running on the same server, the processing capabilities of the server may not be used optimally. In such cases, server virtualization can be used to consolidate all of these applications or tasks into a single server running different virtual environments. This can help companies reduce the physical space required in their data centers, which can lead to significant cost savings.
Another key benefit of server virtualization is redundancy. Network virtualization administrators can create virtual servers on different physical machines and host the same application. If one physical server fails, the other virtual server can respond to user queries without any additional hardware required. This can help ensure that critical applications remain available even in the event of a hardware failure.
Server virtualization can also help companies cut down on expenses. By making use of resources that are already available, server virtualization can reduce the number of physical servers required. This can lead to significant cost savings in terms of maintenance expenses and energy consumption.
Finally, server virtualization can make it easy to migrate virtual servers from one physical machine to another, even if the machines are using different processors. This can be particularly useful when upgrading hardware or migrating to a new data center.
Read More: Top 44 Scenario-Based VMware Interview Questions and Answers of 2024
The infrastructure of a company can be expanded and high workloads can be supported with the aid of server virtualization software. Several server virtualization software options are available in the market, and their impressive features are attracting many companies to use them. Presented below is a list of the 8 best virtualization software solutions for 2024. These solutions can also be considered as VMware alternatives.
Scale Computing HyperCore is one of the best VMware alternatives and comprised of a 64-bit, hardened and proven OS kernel and leverages a mixture of patented and improved open-source components for a fairly hyperconverged product. All constituents—storage, virtualization, software and hardware—interface directly through the HyperCore hypervisor and SCRIBE storage layers to build an ideal computing platform that can be deployed everywhere from the data center to the edge of the network. Scale Computing HyperCore architecture provides scalable, accessible computing and storage while maintaining simplicity over automation and design.
Starting at $3,300 per node
Verge.io VergeOS, another VMware alternative solution, previously known as Yottabyte, is an ultraconverged infrastructure (UCI) solution that revolves the traditional IT stack and integrates virtualization, storage, and networking into a single data center operating system. Verge provides vigorous storage and networking software, excluding the need for separate SAN/NAS or proprietary networking hardware. Its proficiency enables greater virtual machine (VM) density. Consolidate all; even earlier bare metal, workloads using existing hardware, further reducing costs. Exceptional Scale VergeOS’ optimized networking stack guarantees the seamless addition of each new node and linear performance improvements.
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Red Hat Virtualization is a server virtualization tool solution that excels at managing workloads in Linux and Microsoft environments. It features an easy-to-use interface that allows users to manage their work efficiently in a short period. It is compatible with large deployments and requires significant server density.
Red Hat Virtualization uses Red Hat Enterprise Linux and the Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) to process applications and virtualized resources. It helps regulate the storage and improve infrastructure and networking resources efficiency according to workload optimization. Additionally, Red Hat Virtualization Manager can scale up to 400 hosts and handle the maximum tested workload of around 1 VM per GB. With its cost-friendly and desktop issue-prevention features, Red Hat Virtualization is definitely worth considering.
Starting at $999 per Year per Hypervisor
The construction of simulated machines on Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, and Oracle Solaris systems is supported by the flexible open-source virtualization tool platform known as Oracle VM Server. For tech-savvy consumers, it offers a highly customizable user interface that is simple to use. The platform constantly updates its features, keeping up with the latest market trends. Although it is open-source, it offers extension packs that can be downloaded to extend its functionality.
Oracle VM Server is equipped with Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) authentication and an SDK, which enhances its security and authentication requirements. This virtual server is a popular option for consumers because, to a range of services, it provides.
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IBM PowerVM is another open-source virtualization and VMware alternative tool. It offers an environment suitable for AIX, IBM Linux, and IBM clients. IBM PowerVM is ideal for small businesses that require assistance in dealing with complex solutions. It is a cost-effective option for enterprises with the necessary tools to deal with over-engineered solutions.
The hypervisors used by IBM PowerVM are flexible, enabling faster provisioning of cloud services by automating the deployment of VMs and storage virtualization. This virtual server consolidates workloads onto fewer systems, promoting resource utilization and cost reduction. It efficiently shares resources with all applications running in the operating system to enhance the performance of multi-cloud infrastructure.
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ScaleWay is a cloud-based server that offers a range of pricing plans to cater to different business needs. It charges users hourly for used services, making it a fair deal for businesses. There are no startup fees, and the setup procedure is quick and simple.
ScaleWay has servers that support ARM processors with around 32 and 64 bits, and with Intel, they have 64 bits and capacities ranging from 1 core to 64 cores for ARMv8 and 12 cores for Xeon D. ScaleWay is compatible with Linux and is supported by SSDs, which increase the steps around 50GB. The platform is regularly updated to keep up with market trends, and it supports IPv6 on all cloud servers. It offers backup options for a quality user experience.
ScaleWay
Citrix Hypervisor is enterprise-grade VMware alternative server virtualization software that offers exceptional 3D graphical support, allowing you to run Windows and Linux workloads. This virtual server is optimized for application virtualization infrastructure, making it easy to handle different workload types, mixed operating systems, and storage or networking configurations.
Citrix Hypervisor is perfect for large deployments and ensures a high-definition user experience with centralized management. It also has excellent compatibility with Microsoft, Google, and AWS, and offers top-notch security, live migration, and great storage options.
Starting from $440 per socket in standard edition
Proxmox VE, on the other hand, combines KVM and LXC virtualization technologies to offer virtual machines and containers for Linux and Windows server application workloads. It is perfect for large deployments and has a stable, user-friendly web-based management system. Proxmox VE offers high availability, software-defined storage and networking, and clusters with its built-in web interface.
It also provides other useful tools like backup; restore live migration, and storage replication, as well as a built-in firewall for system protection. Proxmox VE is widely used worldwide, with over 2.3 million installations, and is available in over 20 languages for better user communication.
Also Read: Proxmox VE 8.2 is Released with VMware ESXi Import Wizard
To get a quote you can contact Proxmox Sales Team
There are a number of things to consider when choosing a server virtualization tool for your business to make an informed choice.
The first is operating system compatibility. It’s essential to ensure that the software supports the operating system used by your systems. However, some businesses prefer to remain with particular suppliers, like Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, or Citrix and may need to make a decision in accordance with this preference. Consider platforms like Redhat or Proxmox if you’re seeking open-source applications.
Scalability is yet another vital aspect to take into account. Some virtualization software can scale up better than others and can handle a considerable number of virtual machines (VMs). Choosing a platform that can scale up and down VMs based on demand can be highly beneficial.
The consumption of resources is another critical consideration, as some server virtualization tool utilizes a lot of memory space. Choose the program based on the environment you wish to create. Some have advanced features that work better on sophisticated platforms and meet the demand for memory and CPU power. For basic needs, it’s best to choose software that saves space for VMs without unnecessary features.
Hardware compatibility is another factor to consider. Virtualization platforms can have many hardware issues, and hosted hypervisors will offer support for different hardware types, whereas bare-bones virtualizers will only support certain hardware. If you plan to change the hardware of the physical server, ensure that the new hardware supports the virtualization software of your choice.
Ownership expenses are also essential to consider. Besides the cost of the virtualization software, you’ll need to spend money on OS licenses, hardware, support, and training. Additionally, you may also need to purchase advanced management tools. Keeping all these factors in mind, selecting the software is crucial to make the best decision for your company.
Now that you have an understanding of VMware alternative server virtualization solutions and the various best server virtualization software options available. You are better equipped to select the appropriate server virtualization software to match your business requirements.
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Great summary! I've been using VirtualBox for a while now, but I'm curious to explore other options like KVM and XenServer. Have you had any experience with Microsoft Hyper-V? Would it be a viable alternative for home users?
Yes, you can also use Hyper-V as a virtualization solution even for home users. But, a license cost will impact you.
I'm really interested in exploring alternative virtualization solutions beyond VMware. Thanks for this comprehensive list! I've been looking at VMware Workstation for my personal projects, but Proxmox VE seems like a great option for running multiple VMs with a lower price point.
Yes, it's a great solution even you can use it for your production environment.