2024-03-29 15:45:00
Proxmox has introduced a new import wizard for Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE), aimed at simplifying the migration process for importing VMware ESXi virtual machines. This new feature comes at an important time in the industry, as it aims to ease the transition for organizations looking to move away from VMware’s vSphere due to high renewal costs.
The new import wizard is integrated with Proxmox VE’s existing storage system, allowing direct integration into the platform’s API and web-based user interface. It offers users the ability to import VMware ESXi virtual machines in their entirety, translating most of the VM’s original configuration settings to the Proxmox VE configuration model (while minimizing downtime).
Currently, the Import Wizard is in technical preview, having been added during the Proxmox VE 8.2 development cycle. Although still in active development, early reports suggest that the wizard is stable and shows promise for future improvements, including the planned addition of support for other import sources such as OVF/files. OVA.
To use this new feature, users must first configure new storage for an import source via the Proxmox VE web interface. After this configuration, they can select the new storage, view all available virtual machines eligible for import, and initiate the import process with options to adjust certain settings. Advanced changes can be made after import, ensuring users have the flexibility to fine-tune their virtual machine configurations.
Currently, the Import Wizard supports ESXi versions 6.5 through 8.0, with some limitations regarding vSAN storage and performance implications when using a vCenter as an import source. It is accessible by updating Proxmox VE to specific versions of the pve-manager and libpve-storage-perl packages, available in the pvetest and pve-no-subscription repositories.
This tool demonstrates Proxmox’s commitment to providing accessible and open-source virtualization solutions. Using the official ESXi API and implementing a user-space file system with optimized caching in Rust (a safe, fast, modern programming language ideal for system-level tasks), Proxmox aims to ensure that this new functionality can be smoothly integrated into its broader ecosystem.
Proxmox VE 8.1 improvements and features
In November, Proxmox Server Solutions released version 8.1 of its server virtualization management platform, Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE). This latest iteration builds on the strong foundation established by version 8.0, which introduced technologies like QEMU 7.1 and LXC 5, as well as support for Ceph Quincy 17.2.
The new version brings a large number of improvements, bug fixes and, notably, key features such as Secure Boot compatibility and a complete Software-defined Network (SDN) stack. Proxmox VE 8.1 represents a substantial update, improving the security, networking capabilities and overall performance of the platform:
- One of the main advancements in Proxmox VE 8.1 is Secure Boot support. This security protocol is essential for protecting the computer startup process, ensuring that only software with a valid digital signature is run during startup. With the inclusion of a signed bootloader, Proxmox VE can now be installed seamlessly in environments where Secure Boot is active, which is an important step in enhancing the platform’s security capabilities.
- Another strong point of this version is the integration of SDN (Software-defined Network) technology. Now a core component, SDN in Proxmox VE allows users to create virtual zones and networks (VNets) directly from the web interface. This feature is particularly useful for managing complex network configurations and multi-tenant setups. The flexibility and scalability offered by SDN makes it possible to meet diverse business needs, from private networks on individual nodes to overlay networks spanning multiple clusters.
- Version 8.1 also introduces a new flexible notification system. This system takes a matching-based approach to notification delivery, allowing users to set specific targets for different notification types. This update provides administrators with greater precision in specifying notification rules, resulting in alerts that are better tailored to various operational needs.
Continuing its support for cutting-edge storage solutions, Proxmox VE 8.1 adds support for Ceph Reef 18.2.0, while maintaining compatibility with Ceph Quincy 17.2.7. Ceph Reef brings enhanced flaws that improve performance and increase read speeds, providing a robust and scalable storage backend for virtualized environments.
Proxmox VE 8.1 is based on Debian 12.2 (“Bookworm”) and uses Linux kernel 6.5 as the stable default. It integrates ZFS 2.2.0, including critical bug fixes from version 2.2.1, ensuring a reliable and high-performance file system. The platform remains free and open-source, distributed under the GNU Affero General Public License, v3.
Source : Proxmox
And you ?
Have you already used Proxmox VE to manage your virtual machines? Share your experiences and preferences.
What are the main reasons why you would consider migrating from VMware ESXi to Proxmox VE? Costs, features, performance, etc. ?
What features would you like to see added to the Proxmox Import Wizard? Are there any specific improvements you expect?
Do you think open-source solutions like Proxmox are the future of virtualization? Why or why not ?
What are your general impressions on the integration of Rust in the development of Proxmox VE? Do you believe this improves stability and performance?
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