VMware makes a splash: KVM instead of proprietary hypervisor

Kernel-based virtual machine (KVM) instead of proprietary basis for VMware: Broadcom seems to be preparing a fundamental rebuild of its virtualization software, at least for Linux hosts. At least that's what a patch submitted by VMware developer Zack Rusin, which is publicly available on the kernel mailing list, suggests. "In order for VMware products to switch to KVM on Linux, several changes are required to allow KVM to start or resume unmodified VMware guests," explains Rusin. His full message can be found here.

Unlike VMware's hypervisor, KVM is open source software. Linux users should welcome the change from a technical point of view. However, this also means that Broadcom will have to spend significantly less on development costs for the Linux version of its virtualization software in the long term –, given that the company has already come under fire for controversial profit maximization since the takeover. Furthermore, parts of the open source community are reacting increasingly aggressively to the commercial reuse of established tools if these companies do not contribute an appropriate amount to further development.

No timetable yet

As Phoronix magazine claims to have learned, VMware Workstation is to switch completely to KVM for desktop virtualization. Broadcom is also said to have confirmed this, but an inquiry from the iX editorial team is still pending. Phoronix also states that there is no timetable for the switch yet. However, all major Linux distributions must have adopted the necessary changes first. VMware Workstation Pro has been free of charge since May 2024, at least for end users, while enterprise customers still have to purchase a license. Rusin's announcement only mentions VMware products under Linux in general; it is therefore unclear whether Broadcom is planning an even deeper technical change to its software range.

(fo)