# VMware ESXi

> enterprise-class, type-1 hypervisor for deploying and serving virtual computers

**Wikidata**: [Q179116](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q179116)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VMware_ESX)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vmware-esxi

## Summary
VMware ESXi is an enterprise-class, type-1 hypervisor developed by VMware for deploying and serving virtual computers. It is a proprietary, Unix-like operating system designed to manage heterogeneous distributed data center infrastructures. As a bare-metal solution, it integrates the VMkernel to run directly on server hardware.

## Key Facts
*   **Definition:** An enterprise-class, type-1 hypervisor deployed to serve virtual computers.
*   **Developer:** VMware.
*   **Classification:** Proprietary software and Unix-like operating system.
*   **Core Component:** VMkernel.
*   **Latest Stable Version:** ESXi 8.0 IA (released October 11, 2022).
*   **Other Versions:** ESXi 7.0 U2a.
*   **Compatibility:** Runs on the OpenNebula cloud computing platform.
*   **Website:** https://www.vmware.com/products/esxi-and-esx.html
*   **Wikipedia Title:** VMware ESX

## FAQs
### Q: What type of software is VMware ESXi?
A: VMware ESXi is a type-1 hypervisor and proprietary software. It functions as a Unix-like operating system specifically designed for deploying and serving virtual computers in enterprise environments.

### Q: What is the most recent version of VMware ESXi?
A: The stable version is ESXi 8.0 IA, which was released on October 11, 2022. Another documented version is ESXi 7.0 U2a.

### Q: Is VMware ESXi considered an operating system?
A: Yes, it is classified as a Unix-like operating system. It behaves in a manner similar to a Unix system but is proprietary software owned by VMware.

### Q: What platforms or systems interact with VMware ESXi?
A: ESXi runs on OpenNebula, a cloud computing platform used for managing heterogeneous distributed data center infrastructures. It functions as the underlying engine for these virtual computers.

## Why It Matters
VMware ESXi serves a critical role in modern IT infrastructure as an enterprise-class, type-1 hypervisor. By deploying and serving virtual computers, it allows organizations to maximize hardware utilization and manage heterogeneous distributed data center infrastructures efficiently. Unlike hosted hypervisors, ESXi runs directly on the hardware (bare-metal) via its VMkernel, offering greater control and stability for critical applications. Its compatibility with cloud management platforms like OpenNebula highlights its utility in complex, distributed computing environments.

## Notable For
*   **Type-1 Architecture:** It is a bare-metal hypervisor, running directly on system hardware rather than atop a host operating system.
*   **Enterprise Classification:** Designed specifically for high-demand, enterprise-class virtualization tasks.
*   **Unix-like Nature:** Distinguished by its behavior as a Unix-like operating system within the proprietary software domain.
*   **Cloud Integration:** Capable of running on and integrating with the OpenNebula cloud computing platform.
*   **VMkernel:** Utilizes a dedicated kernel (VMkernel) to manage hardware and schedule virtual machines.

## Body
### System Classification
VMware ESXi is a proprietary software platform categorized as a type-1 hypervisor. This classification means it is a "bare-metal" solution that runs directly on the computer's hardware to deploy and serve virtual computers. The system is further defined as a Unix-like operating system, meaning it behaves in a manner similar to a Unix system.

### Technical Architecture
The core of the system is the **VMkernel**, which serves as the primary component of the hypervisor. Developed by **VMware**, the software is designed to manage hardware resources and allocate them to virtual machines. It is widely referenced in technical documentation, evidenced by its presence across 14 sitelinks and Wikipedia entries in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean.

### Version History
The software has evolved through multiple iterations, with specific releases documented for enterprise use:
*   **ESXi 8.0 IA:** Identified as the stable version, released on **October 11, 2022**.
*   **ESXi 7.0 U2a:** A distinct version release utilized in enterprise environments.

### Infrastructure and Ecosystem
VMware ESXi is a foundational element in broader cloud computing strategies. It is verified to run on **OpenNebula**, a cloud computing platform created in March 2008 for managing heterogeneous distributed data center infrastructures. The official website for the product is hosted at `vmware.com/products/esxi-and-esx.html`.

## References

1. [Source](https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/2143832)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013