Virtualisation software lets you run several virtual machines on one computer or server, so it suits IT administrators, developers and home-lab enthusiasts. Our range has over 500 items: server virtualisation software, licences and desktop solutions. The main manufacturers are HPE, Microsoft and Parallels.
How to choose virtualisation software
Server or desktop. Server hypervisors run directly on the hardware and are built for machines that work around the clock. A desktop program installs like any other application on Windows or macOS and suits testing, learning or running older software.
Licensing model. Licences are often counted per processor, per processor core or per number of managed machines. Count the processors and cores in your server before buying, so the licence covers all of the hardware.
Edition and features. Basic editions let you run virtual machines, while higher ones add centralised management, moving machines between servers without downtime and high availability. If you have a single server, you may not need clustering features at all.
Compatibility. Check that your server manufacturer supports the hypervisor you are considering and which guest operating systems you plan to run. Also make sure there is enough RAM and SSD storage for all the machines running at the same time.
Support and duration. Some licences are sold with a support subscription for one or several years. Look at how long updates and vendor help are included, because that decides how long you can use the solution safely.
Brands we carry
- HPE: a server maker known for its ProLiant line, so its software is usually meant for server and data centre environments. Most of our range comes from this manufacturer.
- Microsoft: the Hyper-V hypervisor is included in Windows Server, which is why many company administrators already know it.
- Parallels: known for Parallels Desktop, which lets a Mac run Windows and other systems alongside macOS.
- APC: a maker of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), part of Schneider Electric. A UPS protects virtualisation hosts from sudden shutdowns during a power cut.
- Synology: a NAS manufacturer. Some of its NAS models can run virtual machines using the Virtual Machine Manager package.
Frequently asked questions about virtualisation software
What is the difference between a hypervisor and desktop virtualisation software?
A hypervisor runs directly on the server hardware and manages the virtual machines, while desktop software runs inside an operating system you have already installed. Hypervisors are more common for services that must run continuously, and desktop programs are handier for testing and learning.
Does every virtual machine need its own licence?
Usually yes, at least for the operating system. The virtualisation software has its own licence, and Windows or another commercial system inside a virtual machine is licensed separately under the manufacturer's terms. Read the licensing rules of the specific product before you buy.
Can I run Windows on a Mac?
Yes, with software such as Parallels Desktop. Macs with Apple silicon processors run the ARM version of Windows, so older x86 software may not run as smoothly.
How much RAM do virtual machines need?
You need enough memory for the host system and for each virtual machine separately. Windows 11, for example, officially requires at least 4 GB as a guest, so two such machines plus the host are comfortable with 16 GB or more.
