With the increasing popularity of Virtual Private Servers, businesses need clarification about which VPS they should invest in! The two main competitions in the race are KVM VPS and OpenVZ. This article is for you if you are also stuck between these two. Keep reading as we discuss the pros and cons of KVM vs OpenVZ and which type you should get!
What is Virtualization?
Virtualization is the cornerstone technique of modern server technology. It allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single physical server. This efficiency boon not only saves costs but also optimizes resource utilization.
Virtualization in Web Hosting
When it comes to web hosting, virtualization plays a pivotal role. It allows hosting providers to slice a physical server into smaller virtual private servers, each functioning as independent entities. Two popular choices for VPS virtualization are KVM and OpenVZ.
What is KVM VPS?
KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine, a kernel-based virtual machine) is a Linux kernel-based hardware virtualization technology. The Kernel-based Virtual Machine is a complete open-source virtualization solution. The virtual environment of VPS KVM hosting closely mimics the physical server. It uses Linux Kernel as the hypervisor tool. However, it is compatible with Windows and other operating systems.
About The Storage KVM VPS
It employs traditional Hard Disk Drives to prioritize storage capacity over speed. As it provides extensive storage space, you get ample space to fulfill your data storage requirements. This VPS type is well-suited for applications that do data archiving and run backups.
What’s the capacity of SSD KVM VPS?
The capacity of an SSD KVM VPS can vary depending on the hosting provider. Its storage capacity can go from 20 gigabytes to several terabytes. So, you can choose the suitable storage capacity for your storage requirements.
Advantages of VPS KVM Hosting
- KVM ensures that each virtual server remains isolated from others.
- The server supports all types of storage, KVM VPS.
- You can run different operating systems like Windows and Linux.
- The complete virtualization technique ensures high security.
- The server offers memory-saving options to reduce data processing delays.
- Linux scheduler controls resource allocations to each Virtual Server.
Main features:
- high performance;
- independence of resources and their isolation from neighbouring servers – all KVM-servers use only the resources allocated to them;
- each server has its own OS kernel, which prevents the shared kernel from crashing;
- the ability to save copies of the current server state;
- formal integration with the Linux kernel;
- guest operating systems do not slow down, as they address directly to the equipment;
- support for different guest operating systems (LInux only): can be installed on Ubuntu virtual server, CentOS, Debian;
- the ability to install any software as on physical servers;
- VNC support;
- the ability to install Docker;
- no restrictions on iptables setting;
- does not require TUN/TAP modules.
What is OpenVZ?
Open Virtuozzo VPS offers the best container-based virtual environment on the Linux Operating System. It uses container-based virtualization to create secure environments. It shares the host system’s kernel with all virtual servers. The shared kernel can raise security concerns in the future.
Advantages of OpenVZ
- OpenVZ is more resource-efficient than SSD KVM VPS.
- It uses a single operating system for the Virtual Machines
- It doesn’t require a separate kernel for each virtual server.
- It’s easier to add or remove resources with OpenVZ.
- The OpenVZ VPS is suitable for complex environments.
- OpenVZ has less overhead compared to KVM.
- User-friendly VPS that is easy to set up and use.
KVM vs OpenVZ: Which Virtualization Should I Choose?
You must compare the two to explore which type of VPS suits your business:
Isolation and Security: If you need maximum security, KVM VPS is more suitable as it offers isolated environments.
Efficiency and Scalability: OpenVZ offers a more flexible approach than VPS KVM hosting. It’s a great choice when you plan to upgrade the systems.
Balancing act: Combining both technologies works best in some situations. For instance, you could use KVM for your critical database server and OpenVZ for less resource-intensive web hosting.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to KVM vs OpenVZ, there are no direct answers! Both virtualization technologies offer excellent features to cater to different needs. Your decision should be based on your specific server requirements. Consider your long-term goals and seek a hosting solution that supports all your needs! Regardless of your choice, remember that your hosting provider’s expertise and support are also necessary. So, choose your VPS server wisely!
The main difference of KVM from OpenVz in the absence of restrictions on the choice of OS, i.e., if you can only install Linux similar systems (RedHat, Centos, Ubuntu, Drbian, Fedora, etc. on OpenVz) then on KVM you can even put Windows. The last significant difference between virtualization technologies is their cost.
