When weighing the advantages and disadvantages of Citrix XenServer versus VMware vSphere ESXi, it is essential to remember that different companies develop and support these two software systems. VMware vSphere ESXi is created by VMware Inc., whereas Citrix creates XenServer. This blog, we will discuss Citrix Xenserver Vs Vmware vSphere. Join FITA Academy's Citrix Online Training, which offers advanced certification training and 100% job placement assistance.

Though they play similar roles, they have a few key differences that set them apart. The essential distinction between the two is the intended use of the software. Citrix XenServer is used by both personal users and small to medium-sized businesses. In contrast, VMware vSphere ESXi is designed exclusively for small to medium-sized companies and not for personal use.

Technical Specifications

Both of these software programmes support the x86 and x64 architectures and run the Bare Metal (Type 1) hypervisor. Although they all support different types of virtualization, including hardware-assisted virtualization and paravirtualization, only VMware vSphere ESXi supports full virtualization.

Both software suites support a wide range of storage devices. When it comes to virtualization, the main difference is that VMware supports FCoE and SSD for Swap but does not support USB, SATA, SAS, NFS, or iSCSI—all of which Citrix XenServer does. Both support DAS, FC, and NAS storage, but neither supports eSATA or RDM. Both systems have a large number of users in education, finance, healthcare, and government.

Virtualization Management Features

One area where these programmes diverge – and which explains much of the difference in acceptance and usage levels between the two – is virtualization management.

  • Thin Provisioning is the only key management feature supported by both software programmes.

  • While VMware does not support Asset Management or Configuration Mapping, XenServer does, along with Thin Provisioning, but does not support key features such as Dynamic Resource Allocation, Failover, or Live Migration. VMware vSphere ESXi, on the other hand, fully supports these three critical features.

  • However, suppose you are looking for additional features such as Automated Workflows, High Availability (HA), Maintenance Mode, Shared Resource Pools, and VM Backup / Restore. In that case, it is recommended that you try out other software programmes, such as VMware vSphere Essentials.

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Supported Host Operating Systems

The supported host operating systems are the next point of distinction between the two. The number of host operating systems supported by VMware vSphere is, without a doubt the program's Achilles heel.

  • As hosts, VMware vSphere only supports MS-DOS and Free BSD.

  • On the other hand, Citrix XenServer supports a wide range of host operating systems, including Novell Linux Desktop, Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS, Linux ES, Linux WS, and Red Hat Linux. Windows 2000 Professional and Server, Windows 98 and 95, Windows Me, Windows NT Server, Windows NT Terminal Server, Windows NT Workstation, Windows Server 2003 Enterprise, Web, and Standard Editions, and Windows XP Home and Professional Editions are among the other operating systems supported.

Supported Guest Operating Systems

Both Citrix XenServer and VMware vSphere ESXi support the following guest operating systems: Novell Linux Desktop, Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS, Red Hat Linux ES, Red Hat Linux WS, Windows Server 2003 Enterprise, Windows 2003 Web, Windows 2003 Standard, Windows XP Professional, and Windows XP Home Edition.

The exception is that VMware supports MS-DOS, Sun Java Desktop System, and Solaris x86 platform edition as guest operating systems. In contrast, Citrix XenServer does not endorse any of these three operating systems as a host or a guest.

Technical Support

These software packages support various technical support media, including forums, instructional videos, online self-service, knowledge bases, system upgrades, phone calls, and white papers.

They also differ in this regard, as VMware does not provide technical support through blogs, brochures, email, or the owner's manual, but does have a well-staffed help desk and offers remote training.

On the other hand, Citrix XenServer provides technical support via blogs, email, brochures, and the user's/manual owner's - but not via a help desk or remote training.

Conclusion

This blog goes into greater detail about Citrix Xenserver Vs Vmware vSphere. Regarding market presence and recognition, VMware vSphere ESXi outperforms its competitor. Now that you've learned more about both products, you can decide which fits your career goals best. Join Citrix Course Online, which provides the best certification training with placement assistance.