OpenVZ is a container-based virtualization technology that allows multiple Linux-based virtual environments (VEs) to run on a single physical server. It provides a cost-effective and efficient way to create isolated and secure virtual private servers (VPS) or virtual environments on a single physical server while maximizing the server's resources utilization. OpenVZ offers lightweight virtualization, where VEs share the same kernel as the host, resulting in better performance and lower overhead compared to traditional hypervisor-based virtualization solutions.
Virtual Machine Platforms & Containers is the category to which OpenVZ belongs. This category encompasses technologies that enable the creation and management of multiple isolated environments on a single physical server. OpenVZ falls under this category as it provides a container-based approach to virtualization, allowing users to create, configure, and manage multiple VEs on a host system efficiently.
OpenVZ was founded in 2005 by SWsoft, which later rebranded as Parallels. The motivation behind creating OpenVZ was to offer a lightweight virtualization solution that could provide secure and isolated virtual environments for Linux users. Initially released as an open-source project, OpenVZ gained popularity among developers and hosting providers for its resource efficiency and ease of use.
In terms of market share, OpenVZ has a significant presence in the virtualization market, particularly among users looking for a cost-effective and efficient virtualization solution. While facing competition from other containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes, OpenVZ continues to maintain a stable market share due to its established user base and reliability. With the increasing adoption of containerization technologies, OpenVZ is expected to grow its market share as more organizations embrace container-based virtualization for their workloads.
