What is a virtual machine?

A virtual machine (VM or appliance) is a software computer that, like a physical computer, runs an operating system and applications. A virtual machine operating system is called a guest operating system (GOS). Because every virtual machine is an isolated computing environment, they can consolidate server applications on a single host computer. The same host can run several VM's.

Why is M4E a virtual machine?

Easy installation and maintenance are key reasons. Virtualization helps you consolidate your existing servers and host more appliances (or computers within computers). This simplifies installation and maintenance of complex Linux platforms like M4E and enables fast deployment.

Consolidation to reduce hardware cost

Virtualization enables you to efficiently access and manage resources to reduce operation and systems management costs while maintaining needed capacity. Virtualization allows you to have a single server functioning as multiple virtual servers.

Optimization of workloads

With virtualization technologies you can respond dynamically to the application needs of users. Virtualization can increase the use of existing resources by enabling dynamic sharing of resource pools.

IT flexibility and responsiveness

Virtualization enables you to have a single, consolidated view and easy access to all available resources in the network using remote consoles, regardless of location. Virtualization makes it possible to reduce the management effort of your environment by providing emulation for compatibility, improved interoperability, and transparent change windows.