oracle-vm-virtualbox-vs-vmware-esxi

Oracle VM Virtualbox and VMware Exsi are both server virtualization software designed to reduce the need for physical systems. Both solutions accomplish this by partitioning servers into multiple virtual servers that can run multiple instances of operating systems.

Oracle VM Virtualbox is a popular choice for smaller businesses, possibly due to its lower cost for small numbers of users. Larger enterprises are more likely to use VMware Exsi, likely due to its high stability and compatibility with other vSphere software.

Features

Both Oracle VM Virtualbox and VMware Exsi include essential server virtualization features, but they also have some standout features that set them apart.

Oracle VM Virtualbox is compatible with a wide variety of operating systems and can be installed on almost any computer. This compatibility with most computers means that installation and implementation are usually quick and seamless. Oracle VM Virtualbox also offers unlimited virtual machine snapshots. Unlimited snapshots allow for easy backup and recovery to important rollback points.

VMware Exsi includes vMotion, which allows for the transfer of virtual servers. Compared to other server virtualization software, VMware Exsi boasts high stability with infrequent crashes, so data loss due to virtual machine error is rare. Lastly, VMware Exsi integrates seamlessly with other VMware software, including vSphere and vCloud Air. Compatibility features may be an important consideration for organizations already using other VMware solutions.

Limitations

Though Oracle VM Virtualbox and VMware Exsi include robust server virtualization features, they also have a few limitations.

Oracle VM Virtualbox has occasional crashes as a result of virtual machine errors. Though unlimited snapshots can limit the risk of data loss from crashes, small losses are still a risk. Additionally, Oracle VM Virtualbox has limited support for 3d graphics, which may be an issue for power users. Lastly, Oracle VM Virtualbox is not easily compatible with any VMware software.

VMware Exsi can be challenging to implement and install depending on hardware, as many systems are not compatible with VMware Exsi. Additionally, VMware doesn’t have unlimited virtual machine snapshots. Due to limited snapshots, data loss is possible if VMware crashes.

Pricing

Oracle VM Virtualbox includes a free version for individuals tp use to try the software before purchasing it. For enterprises, a Perpetual license is available for $50.00 per user plus an additional $11.00 for support for the first year. The Socket license costs $1000.00 per socket, in addition to $220.00 for updates and support for the first year.

VMware Exsi is available for free as part of the vSphere Hypervisor package, which includes essential tools for server virtualization. Additionally, the vSphere enterprise packages include VMware Exsi along with other VMware software, licensing, and support. Licensing for the vSphere package starts at $995.00 and can reach as high as $5395.00. Support and software subscriptions start at $270.00 per year and can reach as high as $2769.00 per year.