Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) is a hypervisor virtualization technology that enables users to run multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical machine. It is an open-source virtualization solution that is integrated directly into the Linux kernel, allowing for efficient and high-performance virtualization. KVM provides hardware virtualization support, making it a popular choice for organizations looking to consolidate their server infrastructure and improve resource utilization.
Virtualization Platform is a category that encompasses technologies like KVM that enable the creation and management of virtual instances of computer hardware platforms. These platforms allow for the efficient allocation of resources and the isolation of multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. Virtualization platforms have become essential in modern data centers and cloud computing environments, enabling cost savings, flexibility, and scalability.
KVM was founded in 2006 by a group of developers led by Avi Kivity at Qumranet, which was later acquired by Red Hat. The motivation behind KVM's development was to create a lightweight and efficient virtualization solution that could leverage the built-in virtualization extensions of modern processors. Since its inception, KVM has gained widespread adoption in the industry and has become a key component of many virtualization solutions.
Currently, KVM holds a significant market share in the Virtualization Platform category, thanks to its strong performance, security features, and integration with the Linux ecosystem. The market share of KVM is projected to grow in the coming years as more organizations transition to virtualized environments to streamline their operations, improve resource utilization, and reduce infrastructure costs. With continuous development and support from the open-source community, KVM is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in the virtualization space.
