There are multiple operating systems that can be run on a single device with the help of VirtualBox.

Developers use it to test different operating systems on their personal computers.

VirtualBox can run on a variety of systems. It is a great solution for testing, developing, demonstrating, and deployment across multiple platforms on a single device.

Under the terms of the General Public License (GPL) version 2, organizations can streamline operations by purchasing an enterprise version of the open-source software solution, called Oracle VM VirtualBox. It was acquired by Oracle in 2010 after it was initially developed.

If you want to learn more about the desktop virtualization sector, see below.

Growth of desktop virtualization market

The global virtualization market value was $62.7 billion in 2020, and is expected to reach $120.41 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5% from 2016 to 2026.

With the demands of organizations, the market for virtual desktop infrastructure, desktop-as-a-service, and remote desktop services is increasing. The desktop virtualization market value was $12.3 billion in 2022, and is expected to reach $20.1 billion by 2027, register a CAGR of 10.3%.

VM VirtualBox features

VirtualBox is a software product designed for IT professionals and developers. It has features to deliver tangible business, benefits, such as significant performance improvements and a wider range of supported guest operating system platforms.

VirtualBox Manager

Virtual machines can be moved on local storage and imported from the cloud using the VirtualBox Manager. The Cloud Profile Manager and the Guest Control File Manager allow a guest to transfer files between the host and the guest.

Sharing and networking

The host platform’s file system can be shared with the guest through the VirtualBox program. The ability to deliver multi-touch to guests can be provided by hosts. There are many networking models including easy-to-use NAT, fully functional bridged, specialist internal, and host-only networking. Most networking modes have the option of IPv6 as an option.

Virtual media and graphics

Virtual Media Manager supports a wide range of formats, including.vdi,.vhd,.vmdk, and.vdd. Video Capture can be used to record the guest’s screen contents. It’s easy to start and stop recording virtual screens. VirtualBox supports displaying 3D graphics in a guest.

Differentiators

Some of the key areas of differentiation are listed.

Reduces cost

It is possible to lower operational costs for enterprises, IT professionals, and developers by reducing the number of additional desktop and server configurations. The base package and extension pack of the VirtualBox are free to download. Cost-effective pricing can be found for the purchase of the Oracle VirtualBox enterprise. It is possible to reduce operational costs by using VirtualBox.

Easy to adopt

VirtualBox has an easy-to-use graphical user interface and a powerful command-line interface that make it easy to adopt, allowing enterprises and developers to work with multiple OSs on the same system It is possible to run massive workloads of up to 32 virtual CPUs. It can be used to create multiple VMs without re-uploading, and it can be used to create emulated or para-Virtualized instances.

Variety of hosts

Any x86 host OS can be used to simplify development environments by running oracle vm VirtualBox. It is possible to install VirtualBox on Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Solaris, and OpenSolaris, and there are also ports to Genode. It supports guest virtual machines running Windows, Linux, BSD, OS/2, Solaris, Haiku, OSx86, and macOS. The guest automation APIs allows host-based logic to drive operations in the guest, and the web service API allows remote control of VirtualBox by authorized clients

VM VirtualBox use cases

VirtualBox is lightweight and easy to install and use, and it is designed for use on systems ranging from ultra-books to high-end server class hardware.

Organizations of various sizes use the software.

The IT department uses VirtualBox to test various operating systems and applications. It can be used to stand up to a virtualized environment. It is very easy to use and manage.

It might be used across the organization, but only in my department is it used. Barry Burd is a professor at Drew University and he says they use VirtualBox to allow students to work on other platforms.

I use the VirtualBox program to build isolated virtual workstations and test environments. The isolated virtual workstations allow me to access customer environments without the need to change my primary workstations. It speeds up access and prevents damage to my system and environment. David Currier, senior communications engineer, is able to spin up entire virtual environments to test specific design scenarios.

User reviews of VM VirtualBox

User review sites give mostly positive reviews and recommendations for Oracle’s VirtualBox. Users at G2 rate VirtualBox at 4.5 out of 5, and according to GetApp, users rate it at 4.5 out of 5, with 94% positive reviews and the likelihood to recommend 8.84 out of 10.

According to TrustRadius, users rate VirtualBox at 8.6 out of 10, with features ratings, and it is ranked well in several customer experience categories.

  • Live virtual machine backup: 8 out of 10
  • Management console: 7.3 out of 10
  • Virtual machine automated provisioning: 6.8 out of 10
  • Live virtual machine migration: 6.5 out of 10
  • Server Virtualization: 7.1 out of 10

VM VirtualBox pricing

The open source VirtualBox for home use can be downloaded for free from the website. There are two packages for home use.

Organizations can streamline their operations by purchasing commercial licenses and technical support for the oracle virtual machine VirtualBox enterprise The cost for the first year is $11 for the software update license and support.

There are two levels of support for the oracle virtual machine, the oracle virtual premier support and the oracle virtual premier limited support.

Conclusions

One of the most popular tools for desktop virtualization is the oracle virtual machine VirtualBox. It is easy to install and test operating systems on virtual machines. It has full features and the possibility of different configurations for OSs on the same machine. It consumes little resources and can host multiple OSs at the same time.

The right virtualization services help companies achieve their goals. Depending on the features applications and company needs and their budget, it can be a good open-source desktop virtualization solution.