10 Virtualization Systems You Should Know

Below mentioned are the top 10 virtualization systems that are handy for any system or network administrator for their demanding IT tasks.

1. VMWARE VSPHERE
   Type: Hypervisor (Type-1)
   Features: Advanced features for server virtualization, high availability, vMotion for live migration and extensive management tools.
   Use Case: Enterprise-grade virtualization and cloud infrastructure.
2. MICROSOFT HYPER-V
   Type: Hypervisor (Type-1)
   Features: Integrated with Windows Server, supports nested virtualization, and provides robust management via System Center.
   Use Case: Windows centric-environments seeking scalabale virtualization.
3. RED HAT VIRTUALIZATION
   Type: Hypervisor (KVM-based)
   Features: Enterprise vitualization based on open-source KVM, tightly integrated with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
   Use Case: Linux-centric enterprise virtualization.
4. CITRIX HYPERVISOR
   Type: Hypervisor (Type-1)
   Features: High performance, workload balancing, GPU virtualization for graphics-heavy applications.
   Use Case: Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and server virtualization.
5. PROXMOX VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT
   Type: Hypervisor (KVM and LXC-based)
   Features: Open-source platform combining KVM for VMs and LXC for containers, with a powerful web-based interface.
   Use Case: Affordable virtualization for small to medium-sized businesses.
6. KVM (KERNEL-BASED VIRTUAL MACHINE)
   Type: Hypervisor (Type-1)
   Features: Integrated into the Linux kernel, supports hardware-assisted virtualization, and highly customizable.
   Use Case: Open-source and flexible virtualization for Linux environments.
7. VMWARE WORKSTATION AND FUSION
   Type: Hypervisor (Type-2)
   Features: Desktop virtualization with support for 3D graphics and advanced networking features.
   Use Case: Development, testing, and learning environments.
8. DOCKER
   Type: Containerization platform
   Features: Lightweight containers, fast aplication deployment, and microservices architecture support.
   Use Case: Application isolation and containerized environments.
9. OPENSTACK
   Type: Cloud management platform
   Features: Open-source, supports multi-hypervisor environments, and extensive cloud orchestration capabilities.
   Use Case: Building private and hybrid clouds.
10. XEN PROJECT
    Type: Type 1 Hypervisor
    Features: Open-source, Paravirtualization, minimal overhead, security-focused.
    Use Case: Public cloud platforms (e.g., AWS legacy systems), embedded systems.