Virtual servers for greater performance from existing hardware

Running a separate physical server for each individual task is inefficient and relatively expensive these days. By using virtual machines on a few high-performance servers instead, you gain greater flexibility and can manage your IT much more easily.

Simply put, server virtualization separates the software from the physical hardware. This allows you to run dozens of independent systems simultaneously on a single server. For example, you can run a mail server, a web server, an inventory management system, or the company database independently of one another on a single machine. If a physical server fails, the virtual systems can be moved to another server without any data loss or disruption to operations.

Which platform is best for you depends on your company size, existing infrastructure, budget, and internal expertise. Here is an overview of the four most established approaches from our portfolio.

Proxmox VE

Proxmox VE is an open-source platform capable of running multiple virtual servers simultaneously. Each virtual server behaves like a standalone computer with its own operating system. Ceph extends the system by providing a shared storage area: all physical servers then access the same data pool. If one server fails, the others automatically take over—in that case, the data is already distributed across all other nodes.

Since Proxmox is open-source, there are no licensing costs. This makes the combination particularly attractive for cost-conscious companies that still want professional features such as software support, live migration, or high availability. Starline is a certified Proxmox Gold Partner and provides pre-configured hardware packages along with support.

VMware vSphere

VMware vSphere Cluster Configuration with Nodes Without Dedicated Storage - Automatic Failover with Shared Storage.

For years, VMware vSphere has been considered the industry leader in server virtualization. Each physical server runs a lightweight control layer called ESXi—also known as a hypervisor. It manages multiple virtual machines. A central management program—the vCenter Server—monitors all hosts simultaneously and allows running virtual machines to be moved from one server to another without interruption.

Since the acquisition by Broadcom in 2023, the licensing model and pricing structure have changed fundamentally: affordable entry-level offers were eliminated, and all packages were switched to annual subscriptions. This has particularly deterred many small and medium-sized businesses and motivated them to seek alternatives.

StorMagic SvHCI

StorMagic SvHCI cluster with two mirrored nodes and a witness server to prevent split-brain.

StorMagic SvHCI is a solution designed specifically for distributed locations—such as retail stores, manufacturing facilities, or remote offices. StorMagic requires only two servers to ensure fail-safe operation. Each server combines virtualization and storage in a single package. Data is automatically mirrored between the two servers, so that if one device fails, the other continues to operate seamlessly.

Setup and management are significantly easier than with traditional virtualization solutions—a clear advantage for locations without their own data center team. Starline offers SvHCI on pre-configured servers and provides support for setup and operation.

Microsoft Hyper-V

Server Virtualisierung Hyperconverged Storage Spaces Direct Cluster

Microsoft Hyper-V for a hyperconverged Storage Spaces Direct cluster.

Microsoft Hyper-V is a built-in feature of Windows Server, making it an obvious choice for many users—especially if they are already using Microsoft products such as Active Directory or SQL Server. The virtualization layer is integrated directly into the operating system, so a separate license is not required. Storage Spaces Direct, on the other hand, requires Datacenter licenses on the servers.

Multiple servers can then be linked together to form a cluster: If one host fails, the virtual machines automatically start up on another. You can then manage the cluster via the Windows Admin Center or Hyper-V Manager. For users with existing Microsoft infrastructure, Hyper-V is often the most cost-effective way to get started with server virtualization. After all, you can work with familiar tools at relatively moderate licensing costs.