Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization 7

Basic Information

• Model: Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization (RHEV) 7
• Version: RHEV 7 (built upon Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 and KVM)
• Release Date: Closely aligned with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7, which was released in June 2014.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Host: 6 GB free disk space, 2 GB RAM.
  • Guest: 6 GB disk space, 2 GB RAM.
• Supported Operative Systems (Guests): Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3, 4, 5, 6 (32-bit and 64-bit), Microsoft Windows 2003 R1/R2 server, 2008 R1/R2 server, Windows XP (32-bit only), Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit).
• Latest Stable Version: RHEV 7 is the specific product version. Red Hat Virtualization (RHV) 4.x is its successor.
• End of Support Date:
  • End of Maintenance (EOM): June 30, 2024.
  • Extended Life Cycle Support (ELS): Available as an add-on, extending support until June 30, 2028.
• End of Life Date: June 30, 2028 (with ELS). Without ELS, the effective end of full support was June 30, 2024.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Updates cease after the ELS period, June 30, 2028.
• License Type: Open source, subscription-based.
• Deployment Model: Primarily locally installed, on-premise. The Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization Manager runs on Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Technical Requirements

• RAM:
  • Host: Minimum 2 GB, recommended 2 GB plus additional RAM for virtual machines.
  • Guest: Minimum 2 GB. Maximum 256 GB per guest VM.
• Processor:
  • Host: 64-bit x86 servers supporting Intel VT or AMD-V technology, certified for Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
  • Manager: Minimum dual-core CPU, recommended quad-core CPU or multiple dual-core CPUs.
  • Guest: Up to 16 vCPUs per virtual machine.
• Storage:
  • Host: Minimum 6 GB free disk space for the host, plus required disk space for virtual machines.
  • Guest: Most guest operating systems require at least 6 GB of disk space.
  • Supported Storage Topologies: NAS/NFS, Fibre Channel, and iSCSI.
• Display: SPICE protocol supports a maximum resolution of 2560x1600 pixels. QXL graphical drivers are available for improved SPICE functionality.
• Ports: Requires specific network ports to be open for management and virtualization features; firewall configuration is necessary.
• Operating System:
  • Host: Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.2 and above for the Manager.
  • Guest: Various Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Microsoft Windows versions.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization 7 leverages the robust foundation of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 and KVM, requiring 64-bit x86 hardware with virtualization extensions. The requirements are typical for enterprise-grade virtualization platforms, supporting a wide range of guest operating systems. Host resource allocation is flexible, allowing for significant guest RAM and vCPU configurations, though specific limits for RHEV 7 guests are 256 GB RAM and 16 vCPUs. Storage options are comprehensive, supporting common enterprise solutions. The display capabilities via SPICE are adequate for most virtual desktop and server console needs. Proper firewall configuration is crucial for secure operation, highlighting the network-centric nature of virtualization management.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization 7.
• OS Support:
  • Host: Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.
  • Guest: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL 3, 4, 5, 6, 32-bit and 64-bit) and Microsoft Windows (Windows 2003 R1/R2, 2008 R1/R2, XP 32-bit, Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit).
• End of Support Date: End of Maintenance (EOM) was June 30, 2024. Extended Life Cycle Support (ELS) is available until June 30, 2028.
• Localization: Red Hat products generally offer multi-language support; English is the primary language for documentation and interfaces.
• Available Drivers: KVM paravirtualized (virtio) drivers for enhanced performance and QXL graphical drivers for improved SPICE functionality in guests.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization 7, being based on RHEL 7, has transitioned out of its full maintenance phase. While core support ended on June 30, 2024, an Extended Life Cycle Support (ELS) add-on is available, providing critical security fixes and limited technical support until June 30, 2028. This means organizations relying on RHEV 7 should consider upgrading to a newer version like Red Hat Virtualization 4.x or migrating to alternative solutions to ensure ongoing comprehensive support and access to new features. Compatibility with a broad range of older RHEL and Windows guest operating systems is a strength, facilitated by paravirtualized drivers.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) with sVirt for Mandatory Access Control (MAC) to virtual machines, protecting hosts and guests.
  • System-wide cryptographic policies for managing encryption algorithms (OpenSSL, NSS, libgnutls, libgcrypt).
  • Firewall configuration for network security.
  • Secure remote management via SSH, TLS, or SSL for authentication and data encryption.
  • Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) for KVM guest VMs (RHEL 7.5+).
  • OpenSCAP for security compliance scanning and remediation (PCI-DSS, STIG, CIS).
• Known Vulnerabilities: Vulnerabilities are regularly identified and patched in underlying RHEL 7 components (e.g., sudo, dnsmasq, libvirt, libxml2). Red Hat provides security advisories (RHSAs).
• Blacklist Status: No general "blacklist status" applies to the product itself; however, specific CVEs are tracked.
• Certifications: Supports FIPS 140-2 certification for cryptographic modules if the vendor submits to the process. OpenSCAP facilitates compliance with standards like PCI-DSS, STIG, and CIS.
• Encryption Support:
  • LUKS for file system encryption.
  • TLS/SSL for management and storage layer communications.
  • dm-crypt and GnuPG for protecting sensitive data within virtualized environments.
• Authentication Methods:
  • Kerberos-based authentication (realms and Active Directory domains).
  • Smart card-based authentication.
  • Local UNIX files-based authentication.
  • LDAP, NIS, and Winbind via SSSD.
  • Certificate-based authentication (default for Red Hat Subscription Manager).
  • Activation keys and service accounts for Red Hat hosted services.
  • HTTP Basic Authentication for API invocations.
• General Recommendations: Implement host and guest security best practices, including running only necessary services, securing remote access, configuring firewalls, securing guest agents, and encrypting sensitive data. Regular system updates are crucial.

Analysis on Overall Security Rating

Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization 7 offers a robust security framework, largely inherited from Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7. Key features like SELinux with sVirt provide strong isolation and mandatory access control for virtual machines, mitigating hypervisor vulnerabilities. System-wide crypto policies, comprehensive encryption options (LUKS, TLS/SSL, dm-crypt), and diverse authentication methods (Kerberos, AD, smart cards) enhance data protection and access control. While vulnerabilities are inherent in any complex software, Red Hat's proactive patching and compliance tools like OpenSCAP help maintain a strong security posture. The platform is well-equipped for secure enterprise virtualization, provided administrators follow recommended security practices and keep systems updated, especially given its current ELS phase.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores:
  • "Industry-leading performance with KVM technology."
  • Supports over 400 active workload VMs on a 32-core, 1 TB server.
  • Achieves messaging performance of 1 million messages per second on a single server with low latency.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Provides predictable, scalable performance for enterprise workloads from SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, and Apache.
• Power Consumption: Includes a "Power Saver" feature that consolidates virtual machines onto fewer physical hosts during off-peak hours to enable power savings.
• Carbon Footprint: Not explicitly detailed in available information.
• Comparison with Similar Assets:
  • Vs. VMware vSphere: RHEV is often cited as a cost-effective, open-source, and flexible alternative. VMware vSphere is more mature, has a larger market share, and offers a comprehensive feature set with robust management tools, but can be more expensive. RHEV integrates well with heterogeneous environments and offers strong performance management.

Analysis of Overall Performance Status

Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization 7, powered by KVM, delivers strong performance and scalability suitable for demanding enterprise workloads. It demonstrates high VM density and impressive messaging throughput. The platform's "Power Saver" feature contributes to operational efficiency by optimizing power consumption. While VMware vSphere often leads in market share and perceived maturity, RHEV 7 stands out for its open-source nature, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility, making it a competitive choice for organizations seeking a high-performing virtualization solution without proprietary lock-in. Performance tuning features are effective for enterprise environments.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews for Red Hat Virtualization (including RHEV 7) are generally positive, with ratings often around 4 out of 5 stars on platforms like G2 and Gartner Peer Insights.

• Strengths:
  • Robust Performance & Scalability: Users highlight its ability to handle complex workloads and scale effectively.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Praised as a more affordable solution compared to proprietary alternatives.
  • Open Source & Flexibility: The open-source nature provides flexibility and integration with other Red Hat solutions.
  • Ease of Deployment & Management: Many find it easy to deploy and manage, with tools that speed up image application and dynamic resource management.
  • Security & Stability: Considered a solid, secure, and reliable operating system for core business applications.
  • Support: Red Hat's support is often rated highly, described as responsive and knowledgeable.
• Weaknesses:
  • Maturity & Market Share: Some perceive it as less mature or not as widely supported as VMware vSphere.
  • Learning Curve: Can be daunting for new users, with configuration sometimes requiring specialized expertise.
  • Integration Challenges: Integration with Windows Active Directory, particularly Kerberos configuration, can be tricky.
  • Specialized Needs: Implementing more specialized requirements can be cumbersome.
  • User-Friendliness: Some find it less user-friendly or challenging to customize compared to other operating systems.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Enterprise virtualization for both server and desktop environments.
  • Running core business applications requiring a stable and secure platform.
  • Development, testing, and production environments where quick provisioning and resource adjustment are needed.
  • Organizations seeking a cost-effective and flexible virtualization solution, especially those already invested in the Red Hat ecosystem.
  • Suitable for non-production or less critical applications where cost is a primary concern.

Summary

Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization 7 (RHEV 7) is a robust, open-source virtualization platform built on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 and KVM technology. It offers high scalability and performance, supporting a wide array of guest operating systems and enterprise workloads. Key strengths include its cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and strong security features derived from SELinux, comprehensive encryption, and diverse authentication methods. The platform provides efficient resource management and features like "Power Saver" for operational optimization.

However, RHEV 7 has transitioned out of its full maintenance support phase as of June 30, 2024, with Extended Life Cycle Support (ELS) available until June 30, 2028. This necessitates careful planning for ongoing support and security updates. While praised for its performance and stability, some users note a steeper learning curve and potential complexities in integrating with certain environments, such as Windows Active Directory, compared to more mature competitors like VMware vSphere.

Overall, RHEV 7 is a powerful and secure virtualization solution, particularly well-suited for organizations prioritizing open-source technology, cost efficiency, and deep integration within the Red Hat ecosystem. Its strengths lie in its technical capabilities and the robust support infrastructure provided by Red Hat. Organizations should assess their long-term needs and consider migration strategies to newer versions or platforms as RHEV 7 approaches its ultimate end-of-life.

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.