Mark BurgessConsidering a VMWare migration to another on-premise hypervisor? In the realm of virtualisation technologies, two prominent names that often come up are Oracle Linux Virtualisation Manager (OLVM) and VMware. Both platforms offer robust solutions for managing virtualised resources, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This blog post delves into what OLVM is and how it stacks up as an alternative to VMWare ESXi.
OLVM is one option to consider when migrating from VMWare. Check out our guide on the Oracle solutions available to migrate from on-premise VMWare.
What is Oracle Linux Virtualisation Manager?
OLVM is a server virtualisation management platform that enables users to manage virtualised infrastructure based on the KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) technology. It is built on the Oracle Linux, offering a cost-effective and flexible solution for managing large volumes of virtual machines with varying degrees of complexity. OLVM is designed to be scalable, supporting both small and large enterprise environments.
Key Features of OLVM include:
- Open-source foundation: Based on the open-source oVirt project, it provides a robust and community-supported foundation.
- Enterprise-grade performance: It supports Oracle Linux’s performance optimisations and security features, making it suitable for demanding enterprise applications.
- Simple VMWare migration: Migration from VMWare to OLVM is performed using standard guest migration tools.
- Integrated with Oracle products: Seamless integration with Oracle’s product ecosystem, including support for Oracle Database and Oracle Applications.
- Cost-effective: As part of Oracle’s Linux offerings, it can be a more budget-friendly option for organisations already invested in Oracle’s ecosystem.
- Support for Oracle License Partitioning: OLVM conforms to the Oracle Partitioning Policy for software license management.
- Great alternative to VMWare ESXi: OLVM can service the vast majority of mission critical on-premise workloads.
How Does It Compare to VMware?
VMware Broadcom is a global leader in cloud infrastructure and digital workspace technology, with VMware vSphere being the cornerstone of its virtualisation platform. VMware’s solutions are known for their robustness, extensive feature set, and broad industry support.
Performance and Scalability
Both OLVM and VMware provide high performance and scalability. VMware has a longer track record in large-scale enterprise environments, offering extensive tuning options for performance optimisation. OLVM, while newer, leverages KVM’s efficient and lightweight design, making it highly competitive in terms of performance, especially in Linux-centric environments.
Ecosystem and Integration
VMware boasts a vast ecosystem of partners and integrated solutions, covering everything from backup and disaster recovery to cloud management and security. Its widespread adoption ensures extensive support for a wide range of hardware and software. OLVM, while offering strong integration with many third party solutions, has a more limited range of turn-key third party integrations.
Licensing and Cost
One of the most significant differences lies in the licensing model and overall cost. VMware’s licensing can be expensive, with costs scaling with the number of CPUs, features, and the level of support required. In contrast, OLVM is part of Oracle’s Linux support subscription, potentially offering a more cost-effective solution based on a simple subscription model.
Management and Usability
VMware’s vCenter Server provides a mature, user-friendly interface for managing virtual environments, with extensive documentation and a large community of users. OLVM, based on the oVirt project, also offers a comprehensive management interface but might have a steeper learning curve for those not familiar with OLVM. OLVM provides REST API support for automation platforms such as Ansible.
Flexibility and Open Standards
OLVM’s open-source foundation may appeal to those prioritizing flexibility and open standards, offering the possibility to customize and extend the platform without the constraints of proprietary software. VMware, while offering extensive APIs and integration points, remains a proprietary solution, which might limit customization options in comparison.
Conclusion
The choice between OLVM and VMware largely depends on your organisation’s specific needs, budget, and existing infrastructure. For those deeply invested in the Oracle ecosystem or looking for a cost-effective, open-source-based solution, OLVM presents a compelling option. Conversely, VMware remains the go-to choice for organisations seeking a proven, industry-leading platform with extensive support and a broad ecosystem.
In summary, both Oracle Linux Virtualisation Manager and VMware offer robust solutions for managing virtualised environments. Your decision should be informed by your organisation’s specific needs, budget constraints, and the strategic importance of virtualisation within your IT infrastructure.
Considering alternatives to VMWare Broadcom? Book a call today to learn how OLVM should be an option for you to consider.
