Description: HVM stands for Hardware Virtual Machine, a type of virtualization that allows a guest operating system to run directly on the hardware. This technique is fundamental in the virtualization field, as it provides an environment where multiple operating systems can operate simultaneously on a single physical machine. Unlike other virtualization methods that rely on a hypervisor to manage access to hardware, HVM allows the guest operating system to have direct access to hardware resources, resulting in more efficient performance and lower overhead. HVM is particularly relevant in environments where high performance is required, such as in servers and data centers. Additionally, it is compatible with a variety of hardware architectures, making it versatile and widely used in the industry. The main features of HVM include the ability to run 64-bit operating systems, support for multiple CPU cores, and the ability to use specific hardware devices, such as graphics cards and network drivers, directly from the guest operating system. This makes it an attractive option for organizations looking to maximize the utilization of their hardware resources while maintaining the flexibility to run different operating systems on a single server.
History: Virtualization has existed since the 1960s, but HVM as a concept gained popularity with the development of virtualization technologies in the 2000s, especially with the advent of processors that support hardware virtualization, such as those from Intel and AMD. In the mid-2000s, projects such as KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) were introduced into various operating systems, enabling the implementation of HVM on diverse platforms. This marked an important milestone in the evolution of virtualization, as it allowed system administrators to run multiple virtual machines efficiently and with near-native performance.
Uses: HVM is primarily used in server and data center environments, where high performance and resource utilization efficiency are required. It allows organizations to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, reducing costs and simplifying infrastructure management. It is also used in software development and testing, allowing developers to create isolated environments to test applications on different operating systems without the need for additional hardware.
Examples: A practical example of HVM is the use of KVM on various servers, where multiple instances of operating systems can run in parallel. Another case is the use of VMware ESXi, which allows organizations to virtualize their servers and run critical applications in virtualized environments with direct access to hardware.
