OpenVZ virtualisation project adds high-end features

New features for SWsoft-backed program include Intel 64bit processor support

Open-source virtualisation project OpenVZ has added features intended to make the program more appealing for advanced users.

The latest release offers live migration support for Intel 64bit processors and support for the NFS file system and IEEE 802.1Q standard that allows network packets in virtual environments to be tagged. I/O throughput of virtual environments can also be scheduled by priority.

OpenVZ is sponsored by SWsoft and is based on that company’s Virtuozzo program that is a fast-growing way to run multiple partitions of the same operating system. Virtuozzo supports Windows and Linux but the OpenVZ project is limited to Linux.

“I think Virtuozzo and OpenVZ are for different types of people and markets,” said Kir Kolyshkin, OpenVZ project manager. “OpenVZ is for enthusiasts and geeks whereas Virtuozzo is more for business.”

Kolyshkin said some users might upgrade from OpenVZ to Virtuozzo but that was not the intention of the open-source project.

“We are here for OpenVZ, not to push people to Virtuozzo. The main goal is to get more people to use and understand this technology,” Kolyshkin said. “Most people are aware of VMware but they’re not aware of the alternatives. OpenVZ is pretty much like Sun’s Solaris containers and the good side of it is that you can run containers pretty much at native speed.”