> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.vergeos-demo.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.vergeos-demo.com/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/overview.md). # Virtual Machine Management (VergeHV) VergeHV is the integrated hypervisor at the heart of VergeOS, providing enterprise-grade virtual machine management through a unified platform that converges compute, storage, and networking. Built on proven KVM technology and designed as a Type-1 hypervisor, VergeHV delivers near bare-metal performance while simplifying infrastructure management through a single, comprehensive interface. ## Why Choose VergeHV? Whether you're consolidating physical servers, migrating from legacy hypervisors, or building a new virtual infrastructure, VergeHV provides the foundation for modern, scalable virtualization. Unlike traditional solutions that require separate management tools for compute, storage, and networking, VergeHV integrates all these components into a cohesive platform that reduces complexity and operational overhead. ## Prerequisites Before creating your first virtual machines, ensure your VergeOS environment meets these requirements: * **System Setup**: VergeOS installed with at least two nodes for high availability * **Storage Configuration**: vSAN storage tiers properly configured and available * **Network Configuration**: External and internal networks configured for VM connectivity * **Media Files**: Installation ISOs uploaded to vSAN for guest operating system installation * **Resource Planning**: Adequate CPU, memory, and storage resources allocated for planned workloads For detailed system requirements, see the [VergeOS Installation Guide](/plan-and-deploy/implementation-guide/installation-guide.md). ## Quick Start Guide New to VergeOS VM Management? Follow this recommended path: ### 1. Create Your First VM (15 minutes) Start with a simple virtual machine to get familiar with the interface and verify your environment is ready. * **What you'll accomplish:** Deploy a working VM with basic configuration * **Next step:** [Creating Your First VM](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/creating-vms.md) ### 2. Understand VM Configuration (10 minutes) Learn about drives, network interfaces, and hardware settings to optimize your virtual machines. * **What you'll accomplish:** Master VM configuration options and performance tuning * **Next step:** [VM Configuration Guide](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/vm-field-descriptions.md) ### 3. Learn VM Best Practices (20 minutes) Discover proven strategies for sizing, security, and performance optimization. * **What you'll accomplish:** Apply enterprise-grade practices to your VM deployments * **Next step:** [VM Best Practices](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/vm-best-practices.md) ### 4. Explore Migration Strategies and Import Methods (30 minutes) Migrate existing workloads from other hypervisors or deploy from templates. * **What you'll accomplish:** Successfully import VMs from VMware, Hyper-V, or other platforms * **Next step:** [VM Import Methods](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/vm-migration-overview.md) ## Key Capabilities ### **Enterprise-Grade Performance** * **Type-1 Hypervisor Architecture**: VergeHV runs directly on hardware using KVM technology, delivering near bare-metal performance with minimal overhead * **Resource Optimization**: Advanced memory management, CPU scheduling, and I/O optimization ensure maximum efficiency * **Hardware Acceleration**: Support for Intel VT-x/AMD-V virtualization extensions and hardware-assisted features ### **Comprehensive Security** * **Network Micro-Segmentation**: Isolate workloads using virtual networks with granular access controls * **Tenant Isolation**: Complete separation of resources and networks in multi-tenant environments * **Secure Migration**: Encrypted live migration and secure communication between nodes ### **Flexible Storage Integration** * **Distributed vSAN**: Integrated software-defined storage with automatic tiering and deduplication * **Multiple Storage Tiers**: Optimize costs by placing workloads on appropriate storage tiers (NVMe, SSD, HDD) * **Snapshot and Cloning**: Instant VM snapshots and space-efficient cloning for backup and testing ### **Advanced Networking** * **Software-Defined Networking**: Create and manage virtual networks without additional hardware * **VLAN Integration**: Seamless integration with existing network infrastructure * **Traffic Management**: Quality of Service (QoS) controls, rate limiting, and bandwidth prioritization for network optimization ### **Broad Compatibility** * **Guest Operating Systems**: Extensive support for Windows (Server 2008 R2 - 2022), Linux distributions (RHEL, Ubuntu, CentOS, SUSE), and FreeBSD * **Virtual Appliances**: Native support for KVM-compatible virtual appliances and OVA/OVF formats * **Legacy Support**: Hardware emulation for older operating systems when needed ### **High Availability & Migration** * **Live Migration**: Move running VMs between nodes without downtime for maintenance or load balancing * **Automated Failover**: Automatic VM restart on alternate nodes during hardware failures * **Cluster Management**: Distribute workloads across multiple nodes for optimal resource utilization ### **Powerful Automation** * **Recipe System**: Deploy standardized VM configurations using customizable templates * **API Integration**: Complete REST API for infrastructure-as-code and automation workflows * **Task Engine**: Schedule and automate routine operations like backups, migrations, and maintenance * **Terraform Integration**: Infrastructure-as-code support with the official VergeOS Terraform provider for automated provisioning of VMs, networks, and storage resources ## Common Use Cases ### **Server Consolidation** Replace multiple physical servers with virtual machines, reducing hardware costs and improving resource utilization. VergeHV's efficient resource management allows for higher consolidation ratios while maintaining performance. ### **Development and Testing** Rapidly provision isolated environments for development teams. Use snapshots and clones to create consistent testing environments and quickly roll back changes. ### **Disaster Recovery** Leverage VM snapshots, replication, and migration capabilities to build robust disaster recovery solutions. Test recovery procedures without impacting production systems. ### **Legacy Application Support** Extend the life of older applications by virtualizing aging physical servers. VergeHV's broad compatibility ensures legacy systems continue running reliably. ### **Multi-Tenant Hosting** Provide isolated virtual environments for different customers or departments using VergeOS tenant capabilities with dedicated resources and networks. ## Getting Help ### **Documentation Resources** * [**Guest OS Compatibility**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/guest-os-compatibility.md) - Supported operating systems and configurations * [**VM Field Descriptions**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/vm-field-descriptions.md) - Complete reference for VM configuration options ### **Support** * [**Support** ](/support-and-services.md)- Access professional support and documentation * [**Knowledge Base**](https://docs.vergeos-demo.com/knowledge-base/) - Searchable database of solutions and best practices *** ## Related Documentation ### Essential Getting Started * [**VM Best Practices**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/vm-best-practices.md) - Configuration guidelines and recommendations *(20 minutes)* * [**Creating VMs**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/creating-vms.md) - Step-by-step VM creation guide *(15 minutes)* * [**Uploading Media Images**](/run-the-platform/storage/uploading-files-to-vsan.md) - Upload ISOs and installation media *(10 minutes)* ### VM Configuration * [**Virtual Machine Drives**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/vm-drives.md) - Storage configuration and management * [**Virtual Machine Network Interfaces**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/vm-nics.md) - Network connectivity setup * [**VM Field Descriptions**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/vm-field-descriptions.md) - Complete configuration reference * [**Guest Agent**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/vm-guest-agent.md) - Enhanced VM integration and management ### Import and Migration * [**Import Methods Overview**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/vm-migration-overview.md) - Choose the right import method for your needs * [**Import from VMware**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/import-from-vmware.md) - VMware migration guide * [**Import from Media Images**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/import-from-upload.md) - Create VMs from disk images * [**Import from NAS**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/import-from-nas.md) - Import from network storage ### Advanced Operations * [**Live Migrations**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/live-migrations.md) - Zero-downtime VM movement * [**Manual VM Migrations**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/vm-manual-migration.md) - Planned migration procedures * [**Working with VMs**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/working-with-vms.md) - Day-to-day VM management ### Virtual Desktop Infrastructure * [**VDI Overview**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/vdi-overview.md) - Native VDI capabilities * [**VDI Administration**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/vdi-administrator.md) - Admin guide for VDI deployments * [**Remote Console Access**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/vm-remote-console.md) - VM console connectivity ### Backup and Recovery * [**VM Snapshots and Restores**](/automate-protect-and-extend/backup-and-dr/vm-snapshots-restores.md) - Backup and recovery strategies ### Automation * [**Recipes Overview**](/automate-protect-and-extend/automation/recipes-overview.md) - Automated VM deployment templates * [**Task Engine**](/automate-protect-and-extend/automation/create-tasks.md) - Scheduled automation and workflows * [**VergeOS API Guide**](/knowledge-base/automation-api/verge-api-guide.md) - Programmatic infrastructure management --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. 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