Why KVM? (Oracle KVM vs. Other Virtualization Solutions)

Why KVM? 

Ever wondered how Oracle KVM stacks up against the big players like VMware ESXi and Microsoft Hyper-V? Well, we explained it in our tech event last week, and here I'm sharing some of the things we have gone through in this context. 

We will go through the following table for comparing Oracle KVM , ESXi and Hyper-V.

This table looks at the issue from some of the most important / key dimensions.

Well, Let's dive in!

• Open Source: KVM shines here. It's a big YES for open source, unlike VMware ESXi and Microsoft Hyper-V. For us open-source enthusiasts, this is a major plus!

• Licensing Cost: Now, this is where things get interesting. KVM is generally "Low" on the cost scale, which is fantastic. VMware ESXi? Well, the table says "High," and from what I've seen, that rings true. Microsoft Hyper-V lands in the "Medium" zone. Cost can be a big factor, especially for smaller setups or those just starting out.

See this blog post as well -> https://ermanarslan.blogspot.com/2025/04/oracle-linux-kvm-steps-up.html

• Performance: When it comes to power, both Oracle KVM and VMware ESXi are tagged as "High." That's good news for those demanding top-notch performance. Microsoft Hyper-V is listed as "Medium." Performance can vary depending on your specific workloads, but it's good to see KVM holding its own.

• Management Tool: Here's where the ecosystems differ. KVM mostly rely on OLVM. VMware leans on vCenter, which is a robust but often pricey solution. Microsoft has SCVMM. The choice of management tool can really impact your day-to-day operations.

• Security: Security is paramount, right? KVM brings SeLinux & sVirt to the table, leveraging Linux's security features. VMware uses NSX, focusing on network security. Microsoft offers Shielded VMs. Each has its own approach to keeping your virtual machines safe and sound.

• Flexibility: This is where KVM's open-source nature really shines again. It's "Integrated with Linux," which gives it a lot of flexibility. VMware is described as a "Closed ecosystem," which can sometimes limit your options. Microsoft Hyper-V is "Windows-focused," so its strengths lie heavily within the Windows environment.

 In addition, if you are running Oracle database, KVM is clearly ahead in my opinion. In many aspects (support, cost, compatibility etc.)

Takeaway:

Looking at the table above, it’s clear that Oracle KVM is a strong contender, especially if you’re looking to keep costs low. The “High” performance rating is also a big plus. However, still the best choice really depends on your specific needs, existing infrastructure, and comfort level with different ecosystems.

What are your thoughts on this comparison? Have you had experience with any of these hypervisors? Let me know in the comments below!