OpenVZ Virtualization Project Adds New Features

OpenVZ, the open source project supported by SWsoft, announced a set of new features found in its operating system server virtualization software.

The software can now deliver checkpointing and live migration support for IA64 processors. This, according to the company, is a unique feature that isn’t found in any other open source operating system virtualization software. The feature allows system administrators to move virtual servers between physical servers without end-user disruption or the need for costly storage capacity.

It works by freezing the state of a running virtual machine, storing the image on disk and then restoring it on another server. The function executes between any two servers on a network, so it works for any server and any application. OpenVZ can deliver this capability without the need for additional requirements, such as a SAN.

Additionally, network file system (NFS) support makes it possible to access network disk files from within OpenVZ virtual environments. And VLAN IEEE802.1Q network standards are supported in virtual environments, so that every network packet can be tagged to a distinct network.

Also added is filesystem in userspace (FUSE) support, which allows for an FTP or SSH server to be presented like a file system within a virtual environment.

I/O accounting for each VE solves the problem of distributing I/O throughput (which can be a performance bottleneck) across all virtual environments. The scheduling feature will make it possible to set priorities so that some VEs can be set as “high priority” for disk access, and others as “low priority”.

“We intend to continue bringing our users more advanced technology throughout the year,” said project manager Kir Kolyshkin. “We’re off and running in 2007 delivering users with new features in OpenVZ software.”

The new OpenVZ kernel software can be downloaded, here.