hypervisorens

Hypervisors are software or firmware components that create and manage a virtualized computing environment. They allow multiple virtual machines (VMs) to run on a single physical host machine, sharing its resources, such as processing power, memory, and storage. This technology enables greater resource utilization, flexibility, and scalability, while improving system reliability and security.

Hypervisors can be categorized into two primary types: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 hypervisors run directly on the host machine's hardware, managing all resources and operating system interactions. Examples of Type 1 hypervisors include VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, and KVM. Type 2 hypervisors, on the other hand, run on top of a host operating system, using it as the base for the virtualization layer. Examples of Type 2 hypervisors include VMware Workstation, VirtualBox, and Parallels Desktop.

Hypervisors provide several key benefits, including improved hardware utilization, reduced spent on hardware and licensing, and increased flexibility for testing and deployment of new systems. Virtual machines can be easily created, moved, or replicated, and can be snapshot-ed to track changes and recover from discrepancies. Additionally, hypervisors enable workload mobility, allowing execution of jobs or applications across multiple platforms, lowering operational risks.

Some common hypervisor features include:

* Resource allocation management

* Virtual machine migration and cloning

* Backup and copy functionality

* Power-saving and management options

* Performance metering and refinement

When choosing a hypervisor, organizations typically select one that aligns with their specific infrastructure, operational and shared-source requirements. Some leading hypervisors also provide all-purpose drivers or instrumentation, further augmenting the use of this technology.