Alternatives to VMware Part 4: Exploring the Benefits of Oracle VM VirtualBox

In our six-part blog series about alternatives to VMware vSphere's virtualization platform, part one explains the benefits of using Citrix Hypervisor, part two explains the benefits of using Microsoft Hyper-V, part three explains the benefits of using Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization, and in this fourth part, we'll explain the benefits of using Oracle VM VirtualBox.

Oracle VirtualBox is a powerful open-source, cross-platform virtualization software that enables developers to enhance their coding efficiency by running multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single device. IT teams and solution providers leverage VirtualBox to optimize operational costs and expedite the deployment of applications securely across on-premises and cloud environments.

5 Benefits of Using Oracle VM VirtualBox

Oracle VirtualBox offers a range of features that make it a strong VMware alternative, including:

1. Cost-effective: Oracle VM VirtualBox is open to the public and free to download on their website (Oracle VM VirtualBox Enterprise and the VirtualBox Extension Pack not included).

2. Open Source: Oracle VirtualBox is an open-source software, which means users can access the source code and customize the platform to their specific needs.

3. Frequent Updates: Oracle VirtualBox is constantly improving with regular updates, including new features and functionalities.
4. Easy Migration: Oracle VirtualBox allows for easy exportation and importation using the Open Virtualization Format (OVF), which means any hosting system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Solaris) has an easy migration of VMs.
5. VM Snapshot for Testing and Growth: Oracle VM VirtualBox's snapshot feature allows users to save the state of a virtual machine at a specific point in time, which can be restored later.

Disadvantages of Oracle VM VirtualBox

While Oracle VirtualBox offers many benefits as a VMware alternative, there are some disadvantages to consider:

• Lack Of Some Advanced Features: While Oracle VM VirtualBox offers many advanced features, it lacks some of the more advanced features offered by VMware, such as vSphere Fault Tolerance.
• Limited Support: Oracle’s official support for VirtualBox is not as comprehensive as VMware’s support for vSphere, which could be critical for businesses not using an MSP.

Consider your specific needs, budget, and the scale of your virtualization project when choosing between Oracle VM VirtualBox and VMware vSphere. VMware vSphere is typically favored in large enterprise settings, while VirtualBox is more suitable for smaller setups or individual use.