Oracle VM Server 3.4

Basic Information

Oracle VM Server 3.4 is a server virtualization offering from Oracle Corporation, designed for both x86 and SPARC architectures. The core virtualization technology for x86 is based on the Xen hypervisor.

• Model: Oracle VM Server 3.4 (x86 and SPARC)
• Version: 3.4.x series. The latest stable versions within this series are Oracle VM x86 Server 3.4.6, Oracle VM SPARC Agent 3.4.6.3, and Oracle VM Manager 3.4.7.
• Release Date: Oracle VM 3.4 was initially released on March 29, 2016. Oracle VM 3.4.6 was announced on November 30, 2018.
• Minimum Requirements: Requires a 64-bit processor (i686-class or newer) for x86_64 host hardware. Minimum hardware includes at least one dual-core CPU, 2GB of RAM, 2GB of swap space, and 4GB of disk space.
• Supported Operating Systems:
  • Host (Oracle VM Server): Oracle Linux (a minimalist OS based on the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel) for x86, and Oracle Solaris OS in the control domain for SPARC.
  • Guest (Virtual Machines): Supports Windows, various Linux distributions (Oracle Linux, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, CentOS), and Oracle Solaris. Specific Solaris guest support begins with Solaris 10 11/06 (SPARC) or Solaris 10 1/13 (update 11) (x86), with Oracle Solaris 11 or later recommended.
• Latest Stable Version: Oracle VM x86 Server 3.4.6, Oracle VM SPARC Agent 3.4.6.3, Oracle VM Manager 3.4.7.
• End of Support Date: Premier Support for Oracle VM 3.x ended in March 2021. Extended Support ended in June 2024.
• End of Life Date: Oracle VM Server for x86 entered sustaining support on July 1, 2024, and does not receive new patches or updates. Sustaining Support is indefinite. It has been replaced by Oracle Linux Virtualization Manager.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: No new patches or updates are provided after July 1, 2024, implying auto-updates have ceased.
• License Type: Oracle VM Server for x86 is licensed under GNU GPL. Oracle VM Manager is proprietary but redistributable freeware. The software is free to download, use, and distribute, with updates and errata available for free; support is a paid subscription.
• Deployment Model: Oracle VM Server for x86 installs directly on bare-metal server hardware. Oracle VM Server for SPARC requires an Oracle Solaris OS in the control domain. Oracle VM Manager is an Oracle Fusion Middleware application, based on Oracle WebLogic Server.

Technical Requirements

Oracle VM Server 3.4 is built to leverage substantial hardware resources, supporting both x86 and SPARC architectures for enterprise virtualization workloads.

• RAM: Minimum 2GB for the host. Guest virtual machines (VMs) can be configured with up to 2,000,000MB (2TB) for PVHVM guests, or 256GB when using Oracle VM Paravirtual Drivers for Microsoft Windows. A single Oracle VM Server can support up to 6TB of RAM.
• Processor: Requires a 64-bit processor (i686-class or newer) with at least one dual-core CPU for the host. Oracle VM Server for x86 supports up to 384 designed CPUs (288 tested) per server. SPARC servers support a higher number of CPUs, such as 4096 on SPARC M7-16, 3072 on SPARC M6, 1536 on SPARC M5, 1024 on SPARC T5, and 2048 on Fujitsu M10 (fully configured). Guest VMs can be allocated up to 256 virtual CPUs.
• Storage: Minimum 4GB disk space and 2GB swap space for the host installation. Supports Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) and UEFI boot.
• Display: Not a direct requirement for the server, but VNC and serial console access are available for virtual machine interaction.
• Ports:
  • TCP/8899 (HTTPS) for communication between Oracle VM Manager and Oracle VM Agent.
  • TCP/7002 (HTTPS) for Oracle VM Manager GUI, Web Services API, and SSL-encrypted VNC console access.
  • TCP/10000 for Command Line Interface (CLI) via SSH.
  • TCP/8002 (non-encrypted) and TCP/8003 (SSL-encrypted) for live migration traffic.
• Operating System: Oracle Linux (minimal OS) for x86 Oracle VM Server. Oracle Solaris OS for SPARC Oracle VM Server control domain.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

Oracle VM Server 3.4 demonstrates robust scalability, capable of supporting high-density virtualization environments with significant CPU and memory allocations per server and per virtual machine. The distinction between x86 and SPARC architectures highlights its flexibility across different hardware platforms. The minimum host requirements are modest, allowing for efficient resource utilization for the hypervisor itself. Network port configurations are standard for a managed virtualization solution, with a strong emphasis on secure, encrypted communication channels for management and VM operations.

Support & Compatibility

Oracle VM Server 3.4 offers broad compatibility with various operating systems and includes specific drivers for optimized performance, though its support lifecycle has transitioned to a sustaining phase.

• Latest Version: Oracle VM x86 Server 3.4.6, Oracle VM SPARC Agent 3.4.6.3, and Oracle VM Manager 3.4.7 are the latest releases within the 3.4 series.
• OS Support:
  • Host: Oracle Linux for x86 servers; Oracle Solaris for SPARC servers.
  • Guest: Supports Windows, Oracle Linux, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, CentOS, and Oracle Solaris. Both Hardware Virtualized (HVM) and Paravirtualized (PVHVM) modes are supported for Linux and Solaris guests on x86.
• End of Support Date: Premier Support concluded in March 2021, and Extended Support ended in June 2024. The product is currently in Sustaining Support, which is indefinite, but new patches or updates are no longer provided.
• Localization: Not explicitly detailed in available documentation, but Oracle products typically offer multi-language support.
• Available Drivers: Includes Xen PV drivers for Linux guests (kernel-xen, kernel-uek) and Oracle VM Paravirtual Drivers for Microsoft Windows. The Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK) Release 4 in dom0 provides updated drivers for the latest hardware.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Oracle VM Server 3.4 is a mature product with extensive guest OS compatibility, including critical paravirtualization drivers for performance optimization. However, its transition to sustaining support means it no longer receives new patches or updates, including security fixes. This status necessitates careful consideration for new deployments or environments requiring active vendor support and the latest security measures. Users should plan for migration to newer virtualization platforms, such as Oracle Linux Virtualization Manager, which has replaced Oracle VM.

Security Status

Oracle VM Server 3.4 incorporates several security features and practices to protect virtualized environments, adhering to industry standards.

• Security Features: Oracle VM Server is based on a minimalist Oracle Linux implementation with the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK) Release 4, designed to reduce the attack surface. It includes iptables or firewalld for host-based firewalling. Supports 802.1q VLANs for network traffic segregation between VMs and the control domain (dom0). For SPARC, it leverages security features available in Oracle Solaris 10 and 11.
• Known Vulnerabilities: While specific vulnerabilities are not detailed, security updates were part of maintenance releases (e.g., 3.4.1 fixed a security vulnerability, 3.4.5 included security updates). However, as of July 1, 2024, the product does not receive new patches or updates.
• Blacklist Status: No information indicates a blacklist status.
• Certifications: FIPS 140-2 compliant.
• Encryption Support:
  • SSL/TLS encryption secures communications between Oracle VM Manager and Oracle VM Servers (HTTPS on TCP/8899).
  • SSL-encrypted VNC console access to guest operating systems (TCP/7002).
  • SSL-encrypted live migration traffic (TCP/8003).
  • HTTPS for CLI communication with Oracle VM Core (TCP/7002).
• Authentication Methods:
  • LDAP authentication for user management.
  • Public/private key authentication for SSH access.
  • Username and password authentication for Oracle VM Manager GUI and CLI.
  • Certificate-based authentication for the Web Services API.
  • Role-based access control can be implemented, especially with Oracle Enterprise Manager.
• General Recommendations: Secure installation, strict control of administrative privileges, network segregation, host isolation, and separate end-user access to virtual machines are recommended. Using an external firewall device is a best practice for network filtering.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Oracle VM Server 3.4 offers a strong foundation for security through its minimalist operating system, network segregation capabilities, FIPS 140-2 compliance, and comprehensive support for encrypted communications and various authentication methods. The ability to integrate with LDAP and use certificate-based authentication enhances its enterprise security posture. However, the critical concern is its current status in sustaining support, meaning it no longer receives new security patches. This lack of ongoing updates significantly impacts its long-term security rating, making it less suitable for environments with strict and evolving security compliance requirements without additional compensating controls.

Performance & Benchmarks

Oracle VM Server 3.4 is engineered for high performance and scalability, particularly for demanding enterprise and cloud workloads.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific benchmark scores are not readily available in the provided search results.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • Supports a practical limit of up to 300 virtual machines per server.
  • Individual guest VMs can support up to 256 virtual CPUs and 2TB of memory.
  • The Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK) Release 4 in dom0 provides performance enhancements and updated drivers for modern hardware.
  • Paravirtualized (PVHVM) mode offers improved performance for 64-bit guests, especially for I/O-intensive applications, due to lower CPU path-length for system calls.
  • Includes support for Hybrid Columnar Compression (HCC) for Oracle Database 18c, leading to better database performance and reduced I/O.
  • Features like Storage Live Migration, FCoE, and UEFI boot support contribute to operational efficiency and performance.
  • Performance improvements are noted in administration tools and the overall scalability for discovering servers and managing the environment.
• Power Consumption: Features Dynamic Power Management (DPM) to optimize server pool power consumption. DPM includes CPU core auto-disabling, CPU clock cycle skip, and CPU dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) to adapt power usage to current utilization levels.
• Carbon Footprint: While not explicitly measured, the integrated power management features (DPM) contribute to reduced energy consumption, indirectly lowering the carbon footprint.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Positioned as an enterprise-grade server virtualization solution, it leverages the Xen hypervisor technology for x86. Oracle's newer virtualization offerings, like Oracle Linux Virtualization Manager (based on KVM), are highlighted for their cost-effectiveness and comprehensive feature sets without license costs, contrasting with the older Oracle VM model.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

Oracle VM Server 3.4 delivers strong performance and scalability, making it suitable for demanding enterprise and cloud environments. Its ability to handle a large number of VMs and allocate significant resources per VM, coupled with optimizations like UEK4 and PVHVM drivers, ensures efficient operation, particularly for I/O-bound workloads. The inclusion of power management features helps in optimizing energy use and reducing operational costs. While specific benchmark figures are not detailed, the architectural design and feature set indicate a robust performance profile for its intended use cases. However, newer Oracle virtualization solutions offer KVM-based alternatives with potentially different performance characteristics and licensing models.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback and reviews highlight Oracle VM Server 3.4's strengths in enterprise virtualization, but also acknowledge its limitations as an aging platform.

• Strengths:
  • Robust Virtualization: Praised for its efficiency, performance, scalability, and reliability, especially for enterprise SaaS, PaaS, and traditional applications.
  • Broad OS Support: Supports a wide range of guest operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Oracle Solaris, across both x86 and SPARC architectures.
  • Cost-Effective Licensing: The software itself is free to download, use, and distribute, with costs primarily associated with support subscriptions.
  • Oracle Ecosystem Integration: Well-suited for virtualizing the Oracle software stack and integrates with Oracle Enterprise Manager for comprehensive management.
• Weaknesses:
  • End-of-Life Status: Now in sustaining support, it no longer receives new patches or updates, including security fixes, which is a significant concern for ongoing maintenance and compliance.
  • Replacement by Newer Technology: Oracle VM has been replaced by Oracle Linux Virtualization Manager, indicating it is an older, less actively developed platform.
  • Third-Party Compatibility: Some third-party solutions (e.g., Sophos Intercept X Advanced for Server) may not officially support Oracle VM Server as a hypervisor, potentially limiting full feature integration.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Ideal for enterprise and cloud applications, particularly those within the Oracle ecosystem (e.g., Oracle Database 18c with HCC).
  • Suitable for organizations already invested in Oracle infrastructure.
  • Can be used for test or training environments, even when running Oracle VM Server within another virtual machine.

Analysis of User Reviews & Feedback

Users generally view Oracle VM Server 3.4 as a capable and performant virtualization solution, especially for Oracle-centric environments. Its strengths lie in its robust feature set, scalability, and the cost model of free software with paid support. However, the overwhelming feedback points to its end-of-life status as a major drawback. The lack of new patches and updates, coupled with its replacement by Oracle Linux Virtualization Manager, means it is no longer recommended for new critical deployments. Existing users are encouraged to plan for migration to a more current and actively supported platform to ensure continued security and access to new features.

Summary

Oracle VM Server 3.4 is an enterprise-grade server virtualization solution that has provided robust capabilities for x86 and SPARC architectures. Released in 2016, it offers strong performance, scalability, and a broad range of guest operating system support, including Windows, Linux, and Oracle Solaris. Its technical specifications allow for high-density virtualization, supporting numerous virtual CPUs and significant memory per VM, with features like UEK4 and PVHVM drivers optimizing performance for I/O-intensive workloads. The platform incorporates comprehensive security features, including a minimalist OS design, network segregation via VLANs, FIPS 140-2 compliance, and robust authentication and encryption methods (LDAP, SSH, certificates, SSL/TLS). Power management features, such as Dynamic Power Management, contribute to operational efficiency and reduced energy consumption.

The primary strength of Oracle VM Server 3.4 lies in its proven ability to virtualize demanding enterprise and cloud applications, particularly within the Oracle ecosystem, with a cost-effective licensing model (free software, paid support). However, its most significant weakness is its lifecycle status. Premier Support ended in March 2021, and Extended Support concluded in June 2024. It is now in indefinite Sustaining Support, meaning it no longer receives new patches or updates, including critical security fixes. This makes it an aging platform that has been superseded by Oracle Linux Virtualization Manager.

Recommendations: For organizations currently using Oracle VM Server 3.4, a migration strategy to a more current and actively supported virtualization platform, such as Oracle Linux Virtualization Manager, is highly recommended to ensure ongoing security, access to new features, and full vendor support. New deployments should avoid Oracle VM Server 3.4 due to its end-of-life status. It may still be suitable for legacy systems, isolated test environments, or specific use cases where the lack of ongoing updates is an acceptable risk and migration is not immediately feasible.

Note: The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.