VMware vSphere vs VirtualBox

May 27, 2023 | Author: Michael Stromann
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VMware vSphere
Build your own cloud infrastructure in your datacenter and remote sites on VMware vSphere the world’s leading server virtualization platform. Virtualize your x86 server resources and aggregate them into logical pools for allocation of multiple workloads. Get network services optimized for the virtual environment, along with simplified administration and management. Reduce the complexity of back-end storage systems and enable the most efficient storage utilization in cloud infrastructures.
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VirtualBox
Oracle VirtualBox is a powerful virtualization product for enterprise as well as home use. Not only is VirtualBox an extremely feature rich, high performance product for enterprise customers, it is also the only professional solution that is freely available as Open Source Software under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2. See "About VirtualBox" for an introduction.
VMware vSphere and VirtualBox are two popular virtualization platforms with distinct features and target audiences. Here are some key differences between them:

1. Scalability and Enterprise Focus: VMware vSphere is designed for enterprise-level virtualization, emphasizing scalability and advanced features for large-scale deployments. It supports high-performance computing, robust resource management, and enterprise-grade features like live migration, high availability, and fault tolerance. VirtualBox, on the other hand, is more suitable for personal or small-scale virtualization needs and may not offer the same level of scalability and advanced enterprise features.

2. Management and Administration: VMware vSphere provides a comprehensive management suite, including vCenter Server, which offers centralized management, advanced monitoring, and extensive configuration options. It also integrates well with other VMware products and offers features like Distributed Resource Scheduler (DRS) and vMotion for seamless workload management and mobility. VirtualBox, while providing basic management capabilities, is more focused on individual machine management and may not offer the same level of enterprise-grade management features.

3. Hardware and OS Support: VMware vSphere supports a wide range of hardware configurations, including servers from various vendors and extensive compatibility with server-grade hardware components. It also provides support for a variety of operating systems, both as host and guest systems. VirtualBox is more flexible in terms of hardware support, as it can run on a broader range of systems, including desktops and laptops. It supports multiple host operating systems and a wide array of guest operating systems, making it more versatile for personal or development use.

4. Licensing and Cost: VMware vSphere is a commercial product with different licensing tiers, offering various levels of features and support. It typically requires separate licensing and may involve additional costs, particularly for enterprise-grade features. VirtualBox, on the other hand, is an open-source virtualization platform that is freely available for personal and non-commercial use. It offers a cost-effective option for individuals or small organizations with limited virtualization needs.

5. Community and Support: VMware vSphere has a large and active user community, which means there is ample support and resources available, including official documentation, forums, and online communities. As an open-source project, VirtualBox also benefits from a dedicated user community, although it may not be as extensive as the vSphere community. VMware's commercial nature generally provides access to professional support options and services.

See also: Top 10 Virtualization platforms
Author: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email stromann@liventerprise.com