Topic: SME7 / 8 as VM-Host with KVM/Qemu?

[uli334]

Hello,

for some time I've used the SME7 as VM-Host with vmware-server, but the performance sometimes is very poor.

At the moment I'm experimenting with kvm/qemu with good results. Does anyone know how to install kvm, qemu and virt-manager on SME7 or SME8?

Thanks,
Uli

[cactus]

At the moment I'm experimenting with kvm/qemu with good results. Does anyone know how to install kvm, qemu and virt-manager on SME7 or SME8?

I am not sure the kernels supplied with SME Server support KVM as http://www.linux-kvm.org/page/Main_Page states that it is included as of the 2.6.20 kernels, SME Server (at least 7) is running a 2.6.9 kernel.

On what machine did you test it? What packages did you install?

In principal SME Server is just another linux distribution (based on CentOS, which in turn is based on RHEL, so all packages that can be installed on them can be installed on SME Server), but the mian important difference is the template system, from which the configuration files are generated. Direct modification to existing configuration files will get lost over time on updates and configuration changes. I suggest when trying to configure this on SME Server you first read the section of the SME Server Developers Guide on the template system. The SME Server Developers Guide can be found in the wiki.

[uli334]

It's right, the kernels of SME7 dont provide KVM, also SME8b3 which uses 2.6.18.
But I think it would be a graet feature to integrate in forecoming SMEs.

The reasons are the still increasing capabilities of the hardware with big RAM and two or more cpu-cores.
The previous SME cant take full advantage of these. With virtualisation you can be much more flexible and offer many services (i.e. Terminal Services).

In my opinion it will be a key-feature in the future and would complete the SME in a very good way.

For KVM/Qemu I experimented with Mandriva 2009.1 and Ubuntu Server 9.04  newest software, I know but for SME it would be a future option.
In production use I have two Ubuntuservers, one running Windows 2003 as TS, the other SME 7.4 and Windows 2008 TS. Always installed KVM, Qemu and virt-manager.

In comparison to VmwareServer KVM/Qemu is:
- OpenSource Software
- a slim solution
- better performance

I would like to see this software as a standard feature of upcoming SMEs...

Uli

[Stefano]

It's right, the kernels of SME7 dont provide KVM, also SME8b3 which uses 2.6.18.

check in centosplus repo if is there a kernel with KVM support.. you should just install it.. naturally you are on your own

in any case, let them know and if it works don't forget to write an how-to, thank you

Ciao
Stefano