Best Virtualization Management Software in 2024

What are Virtualization Management Tools? 

Virtualization management tools are programs that aid administrators in managing virtualized environments. These environments contain physical computer resources such as servers, networking, storage etc. VMs (Virtualized Machines) act like a real computer that runs on their own OS and applications. 

Virtualization management software offers a centralized platform for monitoring and managing VMs. These includes: 

1. Building and deploying VMs 
2. Migrating between VMs and physical hosts, whenever needed 
3. Monitoring VM performance and health 
4. Managing VM storage and networking, and more. 

Virtualization Management Tool Features 

Virtualization management tools offer a wide range of features like resource monitoring, configuration management, resource allocation and more. Here are some of the most common features: 

1. Resource Monitoring: Resource monitoring is one of the core features of virtualization management software. It allows users to track the performance of virtual machines (VMs). Resource monitoring can help in identifying bottlenecks and optimizing resource allocation so that VMs have all the resources they need to run properly.
2. Configuration management: Configuration management allows administrators to manage the configuration of both hardware and software. This includes tasks such as setting up operating systems, installing software, and configuring network settings. Virtualization management tools can also automate configuration management tasks so that VMs are configured consistently and securely. 
3. Deployment and Provisioning: With virtualization management tools, users can quickly deploy new VMs as needed, without investing in physical hardware or manual configuration. Virtualization management tool also allows virtual machines to automatically assign the resources they need based on their workloads. 
4. Performance Monitoring: Virtualization management software allows administrators to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as CPU usage, memory consumption, disk I/O, and network latency. This information can be used to identify performance issues and troubleshoot problems. 
5. Backup and Recovery: Another feature of Virtualization management tools is that it can simplify the backup process of your data by making replicas of your VMs and recover it through point-in-time recovery options. 

Benefits of Using Virtualization Management Tools 

By using virtualization management tools, administrators can improve the efficiency and manageability of their virtualized environments. This can lead to cost savings, increased productivity, and improved service levels. Here are some key advantages: 

1. Cost Saving: One major benefit of using a virtualization management tool is that it can help businesses reduce cost. By combining multiple physical servers into virtual servers, organizations can significantly reduce hardware costs, energy consumption, and space requirements. 
2. Better efficiency: Managing every VMs individually can be a time-consuming and tedious task. Virtualization management tools allow users to configure and monitor from a single dashboard. This can save IT admins a lot of manpower and time. 
3. Alerting: Virtualization management tools can send alerts to administrators when there are problems in the virtualized environment. This can include alerts for things like high CPU usage, low memory, storage issues and more.
4. Enhanced Scalability: With Virtualization management tools, scaling IT infrastructure (up or down) is much easier. Organizations can add new VMs to meet increased demand or shut down unused ones to free up resources. 

Virtualization Tools vs Virtualization Management Tools 

The key difference between virtualization tools and virtualization management tools lies on their purpose and functionalities: 

• Virtualization Tools: Virtualization tools are the programs that perform the core virtualization process. They build virtual machines (VMs) by creating virtual representations of storage, CPU, server and present them as an independent virtual computer. Some examples of virtualization tools include Azure, Oracle VirtualBox, and Microsoft Hyper-V. 
• Virtualization Management Tools: These tools focus on managing the VMs that are created by virtualization software. Virtualization management software provides a centralized console to create, configure, monitor, and optimize VMs. Some examples include VMware vCenter, Paperspace, NetApp VDI, Flaneer and more. 

Top 10 Virtualization Management Tools Comparison 

There are multiple virtualization management tools available in the market. Here is a comparison of the top 10 best softwares  in terms of their key features and pricing.

Top 10 Virtualization Management Tools Comparison
Virtualization Management Tools	Key Features	Virtualization Management Tools Pricing
NetApp VDI	Automate workspace deployment, Desktop image management, Optimize I/O performance, Better cloud resource scaling	Available on request
Paperspace	Virtual machines, Supports containerized environments, Facilitates seamless collaboration, Automated provisioning capabilities, Robust GPU acceleration, Monitoring and analysis	Starts at $8
VMware vCenter	Easy and quick deployment, Scalability and Extensibility across Hybrid Cloud, Manage your entire vSphere infrastructure through a single location, Proactive optimization capabilities, Plug-in extensibility options	Available on request
Flaneer	Build virtual desktops for graphic intensive jobs, Offers cloud-based workstations, Share large files with ease, Better control over resource allocation, Enhanced scalability options	Starts at $100 (approx.)
Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops	Server virtualization and cloud optimization features, Centralized VM management, Supports HDX optimization technology, Manage onboarding and offboarding of VMs	Available on request
IBM Turbonomic	AI-powered performance optimization, Offers cloud migration planning, FinOps automation, Seamless integration with cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, Microsoft Azure, etc., Full-stack visualization	Available on request
Veeam One	Offers automated responses to minimize downtime, Real-time visibility with proactive management, Offers virtual, physical and cloud environments, Integrated Incident Response, Supports ransomware alarms	Available on request
SolarWinds Virtualization Manager	Comprehensive performance management, Powerful capacity planning capabilities, VM sprawl management, Predictive recommendations, Manage across hybrid, cloud and on-premises, Visibility throughout entire application stack	Available on request
Nutanix Prism	App-centric workflows for simplified data control, Define the life cycles of VMs, containers, or logical apps, AI-driven insights for better decision making, Get holistic views of all networks and configurations	Available on request
Red Hat Virtualization	Virtualize any Windows or Linux system, Offers a centralized management system along with search-driven user interface, Supports secure virtualization (sVirt) and Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) technologies, Automation and integration, Cross platform support	Available on request

Virtualization Management Tools Pricing

The cost of virtualization management software varies based on factors such as type of deployment (on-premises, cloud or hybrid), features, number of VMs, and more. However, prices typically range from a couple of dollars to thousands of dollars depending upon the vendor.

How do we evaluate and select the best virtualization management software for you?

When selecting the best virtualization management software for you, we followed a thorough evaluation process based on several key factors.  

First and foremost, we carefully examined the features offered by each tool. These features include monitoring features, configuration management, Automation capabilities, Integrations performance monitoring and much more. Additionally, we also evaluate the types of deployment offered by each software.

Furthermore, we considered the security, data backup and recovery features. Next, we thoroughly assessed the scalability options so that the tool you select is future proof and it can be upgraded or downgraded whenever needed.

How to choose the right virtualization management software?

Before selecting a virtualization management software, users must look for their budget, accessibility, compatibility and more. Here are some of the factors to consider while choosing the best virtualization management software: 

• Define your Requirements: First, you need to identify the specific needs of your organization. For example, number of VMs, budget, deployment types, training and support etc. 
• Features: Second, make a list of features that are critical for your environment. Common features include VM provisioning, configuration, monitoring, performance optimization, security management, disaster recovery, and reporting.
• Scalability: Next, consider how your virtual environment might grow in the future. Choose a tool that can scale up or down to accommodate your evolving needs. 
• Budget: Last but not least, determine how much you're willing to spend on licensing and ongoing costs associated with the virtualization management software. 

How to use virtualization management software?

To use virtualization management software, you need to select a tool according to your requirements and understand the basics of VMs. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps: 

• Select a tool: Firstly, you have to choose a virtualization management platform according to your needs and requirements. 
• Install the software and configure it: Once you have selected the tool, install it into your organization server by following the vendor's instructions. 
• Training: Provide training to your IT team effectively on how to use the virtualization management software for provisioning, managing and monitoring VMs. 
• Monitor your VMs: Use the software to keep an eye on your VMs' performance metrics like CPU usage, memory consumption, and network activity. This will help in identifying bottlenecks and optimizing resource allocation.