If you are looking into a Virtual Private Server, you’ll have plenty of virtualization options to choose from, including KVM or OpenVZ. Now, you must decide which one is right for you. Below, we will go over the difference between these two very common virtualization options and give you a better determination of which one will work best for your VPS.
KVM
KVM is a true hardware virtualization machine, this means the primary OS simulates hardware for another OS to run on top of the existing OS. KVM also acts as a hypervisor, which is what distributes shared resources among the users present in the virtual environment. KVM allows the user to set maximum and minimum values to resources. This allows the user to use the resources necessary that a specific application requires to operate properly. All of the RAM and disk space are dedicated to each individual user, making it difficult to over commit without threatening all of the user data. KVM simulates physical hardware, giving you the option to run any kernel that is necessary for your use. A fully independent kernel means there can be modifications and loaded modules.
OpenVZ
OpenVZ is a OS-level virtualization, which means the kernel is used to split the OS in to containers. The kernel is shared amongst various Virtual Private Servers. OpenVZ resources are divided between dedicated resources and burst resources. Dedicated resources are what the VPS is guaranteed to receive when there is a demand for them. Burst resources are available from unused capacity in the user’s system. OpenVZ allows a VPS to borrow resources from another VPS that are not being used. Although, these borrowed resources must be returned as soon as possible to avoid unstable or even terminated processes.
OpenVZ does have various advantages, such as efficiency, simplicity to setup, and its affordable costs per VPS container, there are also disadvantages to take into account. OpenVZ does lack flexibility, with its restriction to only Linux OS. It is also impossible to customize your VPS configuration with OpenVZ.
Which Virtualization Should You Choose?
Both OpenVZ and KVM are affordable virtualizations that offer key benefits depending on what your exact needs are. While OpenVZ does have lower costs, it is limited only to the use of Linux OS. KVM might be a better option for bigger businesses, gaming, or any other uses that seek the use of a dedicated server.
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The differences between these two virtualization infrastructures are quite different and will come down to what your exact needs are. Although, OpenVZ does have less overhead costs, KVM is generally more stable than OpenVZ.
If you have any questions regarding KBM or OpenVZ, leave a comment below and one of our experts will assist you!
