When you use hosting, you almost always work with virtualization, even if you don’t see it directly. You book resources, install a system or start your web hosting, and everything is up and running. For this to work, you need a layer that distributes hardware resources cleanly across multiple systems.
This layer is called a hypervisor: this is the software that turns a physical server into several separate virtual systems – each with its own CPU, RAM and storage, without the systems getting in each other’s way. Two of the best-known approaches for this are KVM and VMware.
KVM and VMware briefly explained
KVM is a virtualization technology built directly into Linux. VMware is a proprietary virtualization platform with its own ecosystem. Both can provide stable virtual servers. The difference lies in the basis: open standard vs. manufacturer platform.
What is KVM?
KVM stands for “Kernel-based Virtual Machine”. The key point is this:
KVM is part of the Linux kernel – i.e. deeply embedded in the operating system itself, not an add-on product. A Linux host can therefore operate several virtual machines. These VMs share the physical resources, but remain clearly separated from each other.
Why KVM is so widespread in hosting:
- Open basis: KVM is not a licensed product from a single corporation, but part of a broad open source ecosystem developed and maintained by a global community.
- Built on open standards: Many platforms and tools are based on it, without dependence on a specific manufacturer.
- Easy to automate: Provisioning, scaling and operation can be standardized efficiently, which is crucial in day-to-day hosting.
For you as a customer, this means one thing above all: the technical basis does not depend on the strategy of a single company.
What is VMware?
VMware is a virtualization platform that is historically strongly rooted in enterprise environments. Typical features include a mature ecosystem for operation and administration, many integrations and established standards in large IT landscapes as well as proprietary components and license models as part of the overall package.
It is technically powerful and still makes sense in certain environments today: anyone who already works deeply in the VMware ecosystem, has built up their own VMware teams or is reliant on compliance requirements that stipulate VMware-certified environments has good reason to stick with it.
However, there is another structural catch: if the underlying platform is tied to a single vendor and its licensing and contract programs, changes at this level can quickly have far-reaching consequences – not only for your own budget, but for the entire operation.
Why netcup relies on KVM
netcup relies on KVM as a virtualization basis and this is a conscious architectural decision, not a random choice of technology.
- Proven, near-standard basis
- Good automation capability
- A platform that does not depend on what a single company decides tomorrow with its licensing programs
What this means in practice: netcup operates the virtualization basis on open standards and therefore remains independent of licensing and product-program decisions made by large vendors. This means that the platform can be developed consistently in the long term – even if individual cost factors in the market change.
Which netcup products fit?
All netcup products – VPS, root server and web hosting – run on the same KVM-based infrastructure. The platform basis is identical for every package: open, standardized, and designed for long-term use.
- Webhosting: if you run classic websites or applications and simply want virtualization to run reliably in the background.
- VPS: ideal for web projects, small stacks, test environments and your own services.
- Root server: useful if you want to run higher loads permanently or want more direct control over your system.
For many people, a VPS is the quickest way to get started – simply select a package, set up the system and you’re done.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
What exactly does a hypervisor do?
A hypervisor divides the resources of a physical server(CPU, RAM and storage) in such a way that several isolated virtual systems can run simultaneously without affecting each other.
As a customer, can I tell whether KVM or VMware is being used?
Normally not directly. You notice it more indirectly: by how stable and consistent a provider delivers and by whether or not its operation is dependent on external license and program changes.
Is KVM only for Linux users?
KVM runs on a Linux host, but you can use different operating systems in the virtual machines, depending on the provider’s offer and setup.
Does open source automatically mean better?
Not automatically. The decisive advantage lies in the reduced dependence on manufacturers and the broad standardization: the basis does not belong to a single group that can unilaterally dictate the conditions.