Open source virtualization may be the way to go if you’re looking for a low-cost virtualization option for your data center. In addition to being cost-efficient, open source virtualization platforms from vendors like Red Hat and Citrix offer great support services and provide an attractive alternative to proprietary giants such as VMware. This collection of expert advice, how-to guides and multimedia content covers key points of implementing open source virtualization, including how to choose an open source virtualization platform, the shift from Xen to KVM, and migration risks and best practices.
An introduction to open source virtualization
Open source virtualization options, tools and strategy
Xen vs. KVM: The battle, migration and
more
An introduction to open source virtualization
Tip: Building the case for open source virtualization
By choosing open
source virtualization, you can save money, get better support and avoid vendor price hikes.
Video: Open source virtualization at Red Hat Summit 2010
In an interview from Red Hat Summit 2010, a Red Hat exec discusses the company's open
source virtualization and cloud computing plans.
Guide: Open source server virtualization software guide
This guide to open
source server virtualization software outlines differences between KVM and Xen virtualization
and explains what distinguishes major open source virtualization providers.
Learning guide: Open source guide to server virtualization platforms
Discover the leading open
source virtualization platforms with articles, tips and more that will help you make a decision
for your enterprise.
Open source virtualization options, tools and
strategy
Tip: Red Hat vs. Ubuntu KVM virtualization: Which is best?
Should you use RHEL
or Ubuntu KVM? See why Red Hat KVM’s management features set this distribution
apart.
Tip: Open source Xen vs. Citrix XenServer
Which open source
Xen implementation is best for your customers? One Linux expert compares offerings from three
major players, including Oracle, with Citrix XenServer to help you make the best
decision.
Tip: Designing a Linux virtual network for KVM virtualization
Learn how to configure virtual and physical network cards for the best network performance
using the open
source KVM virtualization hypervisor.
Tip: Build network redundancy into your open source virtual
infrastructure
Learn the various options for building network redundancy in an open
source virtual infrastructure, options that require bond devices and a virtual
bridge.
Tip: Running open source Xen in VMware environments
Paravirtualization with open source Xen and VMware can benefit your data center but it can present
some virtualization
management complications.
Tip: Building a Linux virtualization solution with OpenVZ (part
1)
Learn how to utilize
OpenVZ, an open source container-based hypervisor alternative, to construct a Linux
virtualization solution.
Tip: How to create virtual machines with OpenVZ (part 2)
Use OpenVZ, an open source hypervisor alternative, to create
and manage virtual machines.
Tip: Open source Xen provides cost-effective P2V
conversions
In this tip, learn how to conduct a P2V
conversion in Xen and why the hypervisor’s conversion tools rival other proprietary
offerings.
Tip: Xen open source virtual machine monitor explained
The Xen
open source virtual machine monitor is appealing for several reasons, including virtual machine
live migration functionality.
Tip: SLES 11 virtual machine management tools: libvirt and
Platespin
Virtualization machine management in Novell SLES 11 can be tricky, but the tools libvirt
and Platespin can help.
Advisory board: Will open source virtualization software help Citrix
vs. Microsoft, VMware?
Members of the Server Virtualization Advisory Board discuss Citrix’s
XenServer open source virtualization software and whether it will help them against Microsoft
and VMware.
Xen vs. KVM: The battle, migration and
more
News: Xen support being dropped by Red Hat, what should customers
do?
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 is shifting support from Xen to KVM as the open source
virtualization hypervisor of the future. Learn how RHEL customers should prepare for the switch
to KVM virtualization.
Podcast: Open source virtualization software shifting from Xen to
KVM
In this podcast, a Red Hat exec discusses RHEL's
shift from Xen to KVM in the latest edition of the OS.
News: Red Hat users eye Xen-to-KVM move
RHEL’s move from Xen
to KVM may be a difficult migration process due to political and technical reasons.
Face-off: Xen vs. KVM Linux virtualization hypervisors
Two experts explore the pros
and cons of Xen and KVM in another chapter of the great virtualization hypervisor
debate.
Guide: Xen vs. KVM and KVM migration guide
Both sides of the Xen vs.
KVM debate are examined in this guide, which also provides steps for KVM migration in
RHEL.
News: Cloud service providers weigh Xen-to-KVM move
While some cloud shops are in full Xen-to-KVM
migration mode, some aren’t ready just yet to ditch Xen.
News: Linux community turning away from Xen virtualization
Hosting providers are moving
away from Xen, making KVM the open source virtualization favorite.
Blog: Xen vs. KVM: The battle lines are drawn
This blog entry ponders Xen
vs. KVM virtualization and discusses some of Xen’s manageability issues.
Tip: Six steps for migrating Xen virtual machines to KVM
These steps can help with Linux virtualization migration, specifically Xen
migration, to a KVM virtual machine.
This was first published in August 2010