Open Source Virtualization: Oracle VM enters the Virtualization arena

Brief intro

Oracle OpenWorld was
exciting. The virtualization arena is getting hotter than ever. Oracle unveiled
its Oracle VM hypervisor, which is based on Xen open source hypervisor. As of 14 November 2007, SUN’s CEO Jonathan Schwartz unveiled their virtualization strategy with xVM
platform; this too is based on Xen, the open source hypervisor from XenSource,
the commercial company behind Xen. They originated in Cambridge University, UK
and Microsoft backed them back then. In August of this year, they were acquired
by Citrix for $500 million. The Xen developers are dedicated to developing the Xen
hypervisor and thanks to them, we have yet another option to try out, this time
being Oracle’s VM and Sun’s xVM.

Getting the Oracle VMServer, VM Manager and VM Source Files

To get the Oracle VM files do
to the following:

  • Go to http://www.oracle.com/oraclevm
    and click on download; you will be taken to the edelivery site of Oracle, where
    Oracle distributes its Oracle Enterprise Linux and now also the Oracle VM.
  • Follow the prompts on the screen.

I also ended up getting the 64-bit files.

Converting the Oracle VM files into ISO files, Creating ESX compatible skeleton

This is a simple procedure, since we are
using our ESX compatible VM on our VMware workstation, all we have to do is to
unzip or unrar the files. You will be left with the following files “OracleVM-Server-2.1.iso”
and “OracleVM-Manager-2.1.iso”. Also, make sure that you create your new
machine as per the following instructions:

  • Create a new VM with the workstation. Choose WorkStation
    5 from the dropdown menu and check the ESX Server compatible check box.

  • Add the following features to make the machine
    talk directly to your CPU. I typically add 3 NICs for XenMotion, HA and other
    testing scenarios.

  • #############################################
    # ESX e1000 cards and Intel VT 32 Settings #
    #############################################

    ethernet0.present = “TRUE”
    ethernet0.wakeOnPcktRcv = “FALSE”
    ethernet0.virtualDev = “e1000”
    ethernet0.connectionType = “bridged”
    ethernet0.addressType = “generated”
    ethernet1.present = “TRUE”
    ethernet1.wakeOnPcktRcv = “FALSE”
    ethernet1.virtualDev = “e1000”
    ethernet1.connectionType = “bridged”
    ethernet1.addressType = “generated”
    ethernet2.present = “TRUE”
    ethernet2.wakeOnPcktRcv = “FALSE”
    ethernet2.virtualDev = “e1000”
    ethernet2.connectionType = “bridged”
    ethernet2.addressType = “generated”
    monitor_control.restrict_backdoor = “TRUE”
    monitor_control.vt32 = “TRUE”

    #############################################

That’s it! You’re done and ready to
install your first, shiny Oracle VM in your VMware workstation.

  • Keep the disk space to 20G and do not allocate
    it all. Obviously, allocating will be best for performance but for a quick
    install experience, I’d suggest you to go with the unallocated disk space.
  • Choose “any other 2.6 linux kernel” and keep it
    64 bit! Why? I got an error even though I had used a 32-bit binary.
  • Close the skeleton out of the workstation and
    edit the file to add the above-mentioned settings.
  • Open the machine in the workstation and point it
    to the ISO files as in the diagram below:
  • Start the VM
Tarry Singh
Tarry Singh
I have been active in several industries since 1991. While working in the maritime industry I have worked for several Fortune 500 firms such as NYK, A.P. Møller-Mærsk Group. I made a career switch, emigrated, learned a new language and moved into the IT industry starting 2000. Since then I have been a Sr. DBA, (Technical) Project Manager, Sr. Consultant, Infrastructure Specialist (Clustering, Load Balancing, Networks, Databases) and (currently) Virtualization/Cloud Computing Expert and Global Sourcing in the IT industry. My deep understanding of multi-cultural issues (having worked across the globe) and international exposure has not only helped me successfully relaunch my career in a new industry but also helped me stay successful in what I do. I believe in "worknets" and "collective or swarm intelligence". As a trainer (technical as well as non-technical) I have trained staff both on national and international level. I am very devoted, perspicacious and hard working.

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