I use Oracle VM VirtualBox to create virtual servers to use in a lab environment. We currently have several labs that require me to make changes for connectivity requirements. This way I can emulate the servers using virtual servers. Then I can make the changes and test how those changes affect the servers in the lab.
Pros
Fast and simple creation of servers.
Ability to install OS of my choosing.
Reduced cost of creating servers as I don't need to purchase hardware.
Excellent online support when issues arise.
Cons
Lacks advanced enterprise features
You can over allocate resources that can impact performance on the host.
It is not compatible with all operating systems.
Likelihood to Recommend
Oracle VirtualBox is open source allowing the user to be able to freely use the software without having to pay a lot into using it. There are also a lot of community forums that users can get help and insight from without having to pay out a lot for support.
Verified User
Professional in Information Technology (10,001+ employees)
We use Oracle VM VirtualBox to run several virtual machines built with different operating systems. For example, we have legacy software that requires Windows XP to run. For this we have a Windows XP virtual machine that we run through Oracle VM VirtualBox.
Pros
Interface to system ports (USB, ethernet, com)
Ability to change storage dynamically
Ability to set up a saved storage space to share files between virtual machine and host system
Cons
Adding legacy ports such as LPT require a script that is run via a command prompt. It would be easier to have this enabled through main window interface.
Likelihood to Recommend
Well suited for any virtual machine that does not require use of legacy LPT port.
Virtualbox is a complete virtualization solution, works great on servers or home needs.
The main advantage is the cost: zero. It offers all the virtualization technologies available in the market, compatibility with operating systems, through additional guests.
Virtualization performance is easily compared to your paid competitors.
The user interface is very easy to use, very intuitive.
If you do not have much technical knowledge, just a few clicks and that's it, you have any operating system, according to your needs.
Pros
Easy to find, easy to install and very easy to use.
Intuitive interface. The creation of virtual machines is fast, and access to them is uncomplicated.
All available virtualization technology. Compatibility with Intel and processors, and their technologies. Compatibility with all hardware.
Cons
I did not find any difficulty in using Virtualbox, I can not define "cons".
I can suggest creating a cloud, where the user can export their technical settings with other users, or even multiple computers.
Likelihood to Recommend
I think the best scenario for using Virtualbox is: small and medium businesses, or home applications. However, nothing prevents you from using it in large companies. However, I believe that the technical support of paid tools is more "customized".
Used by a wide range of employees both individually and within teams to create and manage test networks for new software. Allows the end user to implement and explore new software, to test suitability for business needs, and even the compatibility of said software into the system already in place. Additionally, we can create internal networks or similar environments which are not on the business network and then use them for training exercises and the like with no risk to the wider network.
And, of course IT'S FREE.
Pros
Manages multiple VM's simultaneously. As a software used to create environments with several machines, this is a great strength.
Allows a bridged network to be built with extreme ease.
Central dashboard is concise and informative, without being cluttered.
Seriously easy to pick up as a first time user. Never counter-intuitive.
Can be run across a range of OS - not restricted to Windows !
Cons
Full screen mode - it is not always the easiest job getting out of a machine when in full screen mode.
Network settings - all new VM's use NAT by default, which whilst ok for most may be an annoyance if you want a Bridged network in place - you have to power down the machine to change the network settings each time.
Lacks in system integration features that paid-for competitors do have, such as printing direct to host's printer. Minor annoyance for network building purposes however.
Likelihood to Recommend
Well suited for small network building - dependent on host RAM and how much RAM you allocate per machine, you can only run a finite number of machines simultaneously. I use a 16gb host with 6 machines, each with 2gb RAM, but a seventh is a struggle. This is a drawback.
Allows a 'safe' environment for experimentation with new OS or software.
Practice exercises for systems assurance employees.
Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology (1001-5000 employees)
