Virtualisation is a cornerstone of modern IT infrastructure, enabling businesses to optimise resources, scale efficiently, and reduce costs. Although VMware is a major player in this space, Oracle KVM is fast catching up. This blog post compares their features, costs, market growth, and prospects, and explores why Oracle KVM may be particularly advantageous for Oracle database customers.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Oracle KVM | VMware |
| Hypervisor Type | Xen-based | ESXi (bare-metal) |
| Management Tools | Oracle Linux Virtualization Manager | vCenter Server |
| Supported Guest OS | Broad range including Oracle Linux, Windows, Solaris | Wide range including Linux, Windows, Solaris |
| Integration | Tight integration with Oracle services and products | Extensive third-party integrations |
| High Availability | Yes | Yes |
| Live Migration | Yes | Yes (vMotion) |
| Storage Management | Oracle VM Storage Connect | vSAN, VMFS, NFS |
| Networking | Oracle VM Virtual Networking | NSX |
| Hard Partitioning | Yes | No |
| Backup and Recovery | Oracle Recovery Manager (RMAN) | vSphere Data Protection, third-party tools |
| Licensing | Included with Oracle products | Separate licensing |
Cost Comparison
| Aspect | Oracle KVM | VMware |
| License Cost | Included with Oracle products | Varies; Higher costs, especially for vSphere Enterprise Plus |
| Support Cost | Generally Lower, included with Oracle support contracts | Higher Support costs, depending on service level |
| Initial Cost Setup | Lower, due to inclusion with Oracle | Higher, due to separate licensing |
| Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) | Lower for Oracle-Heavy environments | Higher especially with additional features |
Growth Trajectory and Market Dynamics
Oracle KVM:
- Market Growth: Oracle KVM has experienced steady growth, particularly in enterprises heavily utilising Oracle databases and applications. Its seamless integration with Oracle products makes it a compelling choice for such environments.
- Future Prospects: The future of Oracle KVM is promising, with ongoing enhancements to support the new Oracle database and application features, aligning with Oracle’s cloud strategy.
VMware:
- Market Growth: VMware remains a dominant player in the virtualisation market, known for its extensive feature set and robust ecosystem. It is preferred for large-scale and heterogeneous environments.
- Future Prospects: VMware’s future is strong, driven by innovation in hybrid cloud, edge computing, and Kubernetes integration (via Tanzu).
[Src: Spiceworks survey]
Why Choose Oracle KVM?
- Tight Integration with Oracle Products: Oracle KVM provides optimised performance and easier management for Oracle-heavy environments due to its seamless integration with Oracle databases and applications.
- Cost Efficiency: Inclusion with Oracle products mean lower licensing and support costs, resulting in a reduced total cost of ownership (TCO) for organizations invested in Oracle solutions.
- Hard Partitioning: Oracle KVM supports hard partitioning, essential for Oracle database customers to comply with licensing policies. This feature allows precise allocation of CPU resources, potentially reducing licensing costs and improving performance.
- Simplified Management: Oracle KVM Manager offers an intuitive interface for managing virtual environments, simplifying administrative tasks and reducing operational overhead.
- Robust Security and Compliance: Oracle KVM aligns with Oracle’s security standards, ensuring enterprise data remains secure and compliant with industry regulations.
Hard Partitioning: A Key Benefit for Oracle Database Customers
Hard partitioning in Oracle KVM enables administrators to allocate specific CPU cores to virtual machines, which is beneficial for Oracle database customers because it:
- Optimises Licensing Costs: Limits the number of CPU cores allocated to Oracle databases, helping to manage and potentially reduce licensing costs.
- Improves Performance: Dedicated resources ensure consistent performance for critical Oracle database workloads, reducing the risk of resource contention.
- Enhances Compliance: Helps organisations comply with Oracle’s licensing policies, avoiding potential legal and financial issues.
Conclusion
Both Oracle KVM and VMware offer robust virtualisation solutions, each with distinct advantages. Oracle KVM is particularly suited for enterprises reliant on Oracle databases and applications, providing cost efficiency, tight integration, and the benefit of hard partitioning. VMware remains a versatile choice for diverse and large-scale environments, with a comprehensive feature set and a strong market presence. Organisations should consider their specific needs, existing investments, and future growth plans when choosing between Oracle KVM and VMware. For Oracle-centric environments, Oracle KVM offers compelling benefits that align well with Oracle’s broader ecosystem and strategic direction.
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