VMWare more widespread?

55debra · #1 (**permalink**) 03-07-11, 05:26

Hello!
I have been reading about VMWare and it seems like VMWare is completely isolated from the host's hardware and kernel configuration.
As far as I can understand, VM can be transferred to another hardware even if it has a different OS. The only prerequisite is that the OS the VM is should be certified to run that software.

If you have to use Xen, Virtuozzo, and other such dedicated hardware, when you need to transfer data, the server needs to be reconfigured completely. But I think with VMWare, if the OS is certified to run on the host, you just need to transfer the data and run it.

So if I am right, why is the use of VMWare more widespread?

WebMaster · #2 (**permalink**) 03-07-11, 05:32

It is possible to move Vmware, but how do you plan to transfer the files you mention?
Basically it still is virtual hard disk, just like Virtuozzo- this aspect is similar with the two applications.

77wmaster · #3 (**permalink**) 03-07-11, 05:37

So when there is an overload on the server, VMware crashes the boot all the time. There is a bug issue here- your resources have to be strong and plenty if you wish to go use Vmware. That's the reason its not widely used.

WebMaster · #4 (**permalink**) 03-07-11, 05:39

For most users, a good host is always more important. So if your host doesn't provide solid support services, you will face tough times to get anything done- copying your data on DVD and mailing it to you is a far cry.

There are other two reasons why Vmware is not commonly used: It costs a lot, and no one is really looking for expensive VPS hosting. Also, users have had issues about the stability when under load. VMWare is basically created for multi-platform software development and testing. It seems to do well on that count, but am not sure if it will do well as a hosting software.

55debra · #5 (**permalink**) 03-07-11, 05:39

Well that's news to me. There are several companies which virtualized their servers including DB servers, Exchange servers, web server, DNS servers, etc on a Vmware platform.

If you do the installation correctly, there are no bugs issues, and its pretty stable too. It has been around for a long time- it is a mature virtualization product.

I think the reason it is not used for VPS(s) is the licensing agreement for VMWare Server.