KVM

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is an open-source full virtualization solution for Linux on x86 hardware that includes virtualization extensions (Intel VT or AMD-V). It transforms the Linux kernel into a Type-1.5 hypervisor, allowing it to run multiple isolated virtual machines, each capable…

Key facts

First appeared
2006
Category
cloud_infrastructure
Problem solved
KVM was created to provide a native, high-performance, and open-source full virtualization solution for Linux that efficiently leveraged hardware virtualization capabilities, overcoming the performance limitations of software-only emulation and offering an alternative to proprietary hypervisors.
Platforms
Linux (x86-64 architecture primarily)

Related technologies

Notable users

  • IBM
  • Red Hat
  • Alibaba Cloud
  • Many enterprises and cloud providers running Linux-based private and public clouds
  • Google