Oracle VirtualBox, a leading open-source virtualization platform, has become a cornerstone for IT professionals and developers seeking a versatile and efficient solution for running multiple operating systems on a single machine.
As a robust and feature-rich virtualization tool, Oracle VirtualBox offers a flexible testing, development, and experimentation environment without additional physical hardware. Whether utilized for complex software development, system testing, or creating isolated environments, VirtualBox stands out for its ease of use, extensive compatibility, and continual advancements in virtualization technology.
In this article, we explore the main capabilities and advantages of the Oracle VirtualBox platform, discussing how it empowers users to achieve seamless virtualization and fosters innovation and efficiency in diverse computing scenarios. We’ll also discuss our Oracle consulting services and where our team can fit in your organization.
What is Oracle VM VirtualBox?
Oracle Virtual Machine (VM) VirtualBox is an open-source virtualization platform that enables organizations to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single device. Designed with IT teams and developers in mind, Oracle VM VirtualBox runs on a few different operating systems, including Linux, Mac OS, Oracle Solaris, and Windows server systems.
On the one hand, developers can leverage VirtualBox Oracle software to create and deliver code faster and more efficiently by testing and running different operating systems on their own devices. On the other, IT professionals and other solution providers can use the Oracle VM VirtualBox platform to reduce the amount of time required to deploy new applications across on-premise and cloud systems and improve overall operational cost ratios across teams.
With lightweight and easy-to-use software, Oracle VM VirtualBox makes it easier for organizations to develop, test, demo, and deploy new solutions across multiple platforms from a single device.
Outlining the Key Features of Oracle Virtual Box
Here’s a closer look at a few critical features of Oracle VM VirtualBox for IT and development teams:
Simplification
- Multiple desktops: Simplify development environments by running the same solution across any x86 host operating system, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, and supporting multiple OS versions on virtual machines.
- Adaptable solutions: Leverage an easy-to-use graphical interface (GUI) and a robust command line interface to enable developers to run multiple operating systems on one system, consolidate complex workloads, and support extensive workflows across internal teams.
- Reduced costs: Reduce the number of required server and desktop configurations through low-overhead, open-source, and cross-platform virtualization software, further reducing operational costs for IT teams.
Efficient testing and demos
- Streamlined testing: Reduce overall resources and simplify testing environments by leveraging a single device to test software across various OS versions and platforms.
- Multi-tier demos: Develop, deploy, and demo multi-tier solutions through pre-packaged environments with multiple virtual machines and network topologies.
- Customer support: Easily resolve issues and improve customer support by recreating multiple customer environments on a single platform.
- Extended system lifecycles: Run legacy systems on modern hardware to extend the functionality and lifetime of all supported operating systems.
Automated deployment
- Rapid deployment: Utilize Vagrant boxes and VirtualBox functionality to deliver preconfigured Oracle software and automated production releases to virtual machines and improve the overall speed of deployment.
- Oracle Cloud connection: Import and export virtual machines in standard OVF format through a built-in GUI, enabling users to upload or download a virtual machine in both on-premise and cloud deployment environments.
Secure access
- Restricted applications: Leverage role-based restrictions to datasets within restricted applications to facilitate the distribution of desktop-based images, support remote workers when a VPN connection is insufficient, and increase overall system security.
- Encrypted workspaces: Enable IT managers to avoid the time and cost of rearchitecting restricted applications by leveraging VirtualBox to secure remote connections to restricted applications, address critical compliance requirements, and prevent users from downloading or storing data on remote devices.
Licensing and support
- Basic package: Enable developers to develop, test, and deploy cross-platform applications through Oracle VirtualBox’s critical features, like OVF format support, cross-platform hardware virtualization support, and live migration for virtual machines between host systems.
- VM VirtualBox Enterprise: Streamline operations through intelligent features, such as 24/7 support from Oracle for Base and Extension pack offerings, centralized tracking for Extension Pack downloads and installation, remote desktop protocol connections for virtual machines, and security patches for all VirtualBox instances.
- VirtualBox Extension Pack: Consolidate IT workloads using additional features, including virtual USB device drivers, VirtualBox Remote Desktop Protocol (VRDP) support, webcam and PCI passthrough, VirtualBox disk image encryption, and Oracle Cloud infrastructure integration.
Understanding Oracle VirtualBox Version 7
The latest Oracle VM VirtualBox version is helping DevOps engineers, IT teams, and personal users reduce overall operational complexity and cost and increase productivity through interconnected virtual networks, support for guest operating systems, and accelerated deployment options.
With new features like integration with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), automated virtual machine builder functionality, and enhanced 3D support, organizations can simplify the management of critical virtual machines and accelerate application deployment in both on-premise and cloud environments.
The new system’s reliance on virtual machines as a critical aspect of their enterprise toolkit provides the agility and scalability needed for organizations to develop new applications, reduce the complexity of managing multiple physical operating systems, and improve overall virtualization management.
Navigating the Critical Features of the New Version
VirtualBox 7 caters to a wide range of operating systems on a single device to simplify the import and export of VMs to and from the cloud. Here’s a look at a few new features included in the latest version:
Automated VM Builder
The automated VM builder empowers organizations to accelerate the creation and management of a new virtual machine through the unattended installation feature or open-source Vagrant boxes.
With intelligent VM creation and standardization, customers can save valuable time, reduce human errors, improve productivity, and ensure all users leverage the same configuration and ecosystem across teams and business units.
Enhanced VM Monitoring
The new Oracle VM VirtualBox version provides a centralized way to manage and monitor their VMs in both OCI and on-premise environments at the same time.
By leveraging an enhanced GUI, a centralized dashboard, and direct console access for VMs running on OCI, users can simplify and streamline VM management and monitoring across multiple devices and create visualizations for critical resource use by each active VM.
OCI Integration
VirtualBox 7 enables users to manage both their development and production virtual machines running on-premises and on OCI instances in a centralized platform.
With a single button or command, users can export a virtual machine from an on-premise device and run it on OCI or import a virtual machine from the OCI to a user’s on-premise device.
Complete VM Encryption
Through AES 128/256-bit encryption functionality for VM data, logs, and configuration files, customers can leverage the same encryption platform for supported guest VMs to create new VMs on macOS, Linux, and Oracle Solaris host systems.
Encrypted VMs can also be shared securely between systems through USB devices or the cloud, enabling full VM encryption across systems and facilitating better connections between the host system and other guest systems.
Nested Virtualization Support
By running VMs with various Microsoft Windows software versions, users can fully integrate Oracle VM VirtualBox with the latest Microsoft Windows releases and improve support for nested virtualization.
3D Supported Virtual Machines
3D support for VMs in the VirtualBox GUI enables users to access 3D capabilities for virtual machines and run 3D applications with improved performance.
Built-in support features include DirectX 11 and OpenGL support and provide the tools needed to run integrated 3D applications, including intelligent CAD and conferencing software operating on a host or guest virtual machine.
Main Advantages of Oracle VM VirtualBox
Oracle VM VirtualBox offers intelligent capabilities and system utilities for supported guest operating systems, host operating systems, and virtual machines to optimize critical system performance and usability across teams. Here are a few key advantages of the system for enterprise users:
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Oracle VirtualBox offers compatibility with various supported host operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Oracle Solaris.
This cross-platform compatibility makes it a versatile platform for users running virtual machines on different host machines, fostering flexibility and ease of integration into various IT environments.
Open-source
As an open-source virtualization platform with built-in support for guest operating system functionality, Oracle VirtualBox is freely available for personal and commercial use, enabling users to run virtual machines without complex configuration or hardware changes.
This reduces the financial barriers to entry for individuals and organizations and encourages a collaborative community of developers, ensuring ongoing improvements and updates based on user feedback.
Extensive Guest OS Support
VirtualBox supports various guest operating systems, ranging from multiple versions of Windows and Linux distributions to macOS, BSD, and more.
This broad compatibility enables users to create virtual machines that cater to specific software or development needs, enhancing its applicability and relevance across different use cases.
Powerful Snapshot and Cloning Features
Oracle VirtualBox offers robust snapshot and cloning capabilities, allowing users to capture the current state of a virtual machine and revert to it at any point.
This feature is invaluable for testing and development scenarios, enabling users to experiment freely without fearing damaging the original setup. Cloning facilitates the rapid deployment of identical virtual machines, saving time in setting up similar technical environments.
User-Friendly Interface
The Oracle VirtualBox platform provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface that simplifies the creation, management, and configuration of critical virtual machines.
The graphical user interface (GUI) makes it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise, while advanced users can also take advantage of the command-line interface for more granular control. This balance of usability and flexibility contributes to a positive user experience.
How Can We Help?
From helping your team implement new Oracle VM VirtualBox functionality into your existing technical landscape to navigating advanced features like host/guest shared folders and mouse pointer integration, or improving cross-platform connections, Surety Systems is here to help.
Our senior-level Oracle consulting team has the skills, experience, and proven track record to handle your most critical project needs and prepare your teams for long-term success.
Getting Started with Our Team
For more information about our Oracle consulting services or to get started on a project with our team of Oracle consultants, contact us today.
