* [Topics](/en/topics "Topics") * [Virtualization](/en/topics/virtualization "Virtualization") * What is container-native virtualization? What is container-native virtualization? ======================================== Published January 8, 2019•*2*-minute read Copy URL Jump to section --------------- OverviewWhat does it doHow it worksHow is this differentWhy choose Red Hat Overview -------- Container-native virtualization (now called [Red Hat® OpenShift® Virtualization](https://www.openshift.com/blog/blog-openshift-virtualization-whats-new-with-virtualization-from-red-hat)) allows you to run and manage virtual machine workloads alongside container workloads. It is a feature of [Red Hat OpenShift](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift) that allows you to run and manage conventional [virtual machine](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-a-virtual-machine) workloads in [Kubernetes](/en/topics/containers/what-is-kubernetes) workflows on Red Hat OpenShift. Container-native virtualization is ideal for teams that are shifting to [cloud-native application development](/en/topics/cloud-native-apps) and have a large investment in conventional VM technology. It supports the development of containerized applications by bringing virtualized application dependencies into the rich development environment of Red Hat OpenShift. Container-native virtualization enhances OpenShift by providing VM-based services. [Migrate VMs with Red Hat](/en/products/virtualization) What does container-native virtualization do? --------------------------------------------- OpenShift Virtualization makes it possible to [migrate traditional virtualized workloads](/en/blog/introducing-red-hat-infrastructure-migration-solution) directly into development workflows within Red Hat OpenShift. This capability accelerates [application modernization](/en/hybrid-cloud-solutions/application-development) by: * Supporting development of new, [microservices](/en/topics/microservices)-based applications in containers that interact with traditional virtualized applications. * Combining conventional virtualized workloads with new container workloads on the same platform, making it easier to gradually divide monolithic, virtualized workloads into containers. OpenShift Virtualization lets teams develop containerized applications faster by hosting VM-based workloads on the same platform as container-based applications. This feature supports the division of existing workloads, as well as continued use of virtualized applications that are dependencies for containerized, cloud-native applications. By managing virtualized workloads and containerized workloads as part of a single application development and life-cycle workflow, teams can manage and deploy applications that currently include VMs and containers directly from Red Hat OpenShift, with the option of moving more components of the application to containers over time. [Explore Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/virtualization) Red Hat resources ----------------- [Keep reading](/en/resources "Keep reading") How it works ------------ When OpenShift Virtualization is enabled for a Red Hat OpenShift [cluster](/en/topics/containers/what-is-a-kubernetes-cluster), developers can create and add virtualized applications to their projects from the service catalog in the same way they would for a containerized application. The resulting VMs will run in parallel on the same Red Hat OpenShift nodes as traditional application containers. OpenShift Virtualization is a feature of Red Hat OpenShift, not a standalone product. It is available now in OpenShift 4.5. If you are a current [Red Hat OpenShift customer](https://access.redhat.com/products/red-hat-openshift-container-platform) you have access to it as part of your subscription through [OpenShift Operators](https://catalog.redhat.com/software/operators/explore). How is this different from other virtualization solutions? ---------------------------------------------------------- Red Hat's [virtualization solution](/en/products/virtualization) includes [Red Hat OpenStack Services on OpenShift®,](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openstack-services-on-openshift) which helps manage virtualization environments for datacenter and [private cloud](/en/topics/cloud-computing/what-is-private-cloud) use cases for the host infrastructure — [including networking, storage, and computing](/en/topics/hyperconverged-infrastructure) — and the VMs respectively. VMs running in container-native virtualization continue to use the same trusted [Red Hat Enterprise Linux™](/en/enterprise-linux-8) hypervisor, [KVM](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-KVM), and [Red Hat OpenStack Services on OpenShift](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openstack-services-on-openshift). In contrast, container-native virtualization is a feature offered as part of Red Hat OpenShift that lets developers import and develop with new or existing VMs alongside containerized applications they are building in Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform. Why choose Red Hat for virtualization? -------------------------------------- This video can't play due to privacy settings To change your settings, select the "Cookie Preferences" link in the footer and opt in to "Advertising Cookies or try disabling adblockers." Is OpenShift Virtualization right for your VMs? Video duration: 1:57 ### Migrate your VMs and maintain your momentum Red Hat’s trusted products and [partner ecosystem](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/virtualization/partners) deliver comprehensive [virtualization solutions](/en/products/virtualization). Migrate your virtual machines now to [Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/virtualization), a modern app platform–based on [KVM](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-KVM) and [KubeVirt](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-kubevirt)–that integrates virtual and containerized workloads to provide flexibility without added complexity. Or, for a dedicated virtualization solution, explore [Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization Engine](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/virtualization-engine), a streamlined, cost-effective offering to deploy, manage, and scale VMs exclusively. The included [migration toolkit for virtualization](https://access.redhat.com/products/migration-toolkits-virtualization) provides the tools you need to start your migration in a few simple steps. ### Automate your migration Use automation to accelerate delivery with [Red Hat Ansible® Automation Platform](/en/technologies/management/ansible/virtual-infrastructure-management)–from migration at scale to Day 2 operations and remediation. With this flexible approach, you can automate tasks to improve speed and efficiency of IT operations. ### Manage and modernize at your own pace Monitor the security and performance of your VMs from a single console with [Red Hat Advanced Cluster Management](/en/technologies/management/advanced-cluster-management). With additional support options and partner integrations, you can rely on Red Hat to keep your virtual infrastructure running smoothly throughout the hybrid cloud–and help you modernize when you’re ready. [Explore our virtualization solution](/en/products/virtualization) The state of virtualization --------------------------- See how IT leaders approach virtualization across cloud, platform, and migration needs and plan future innovations with virtual machines and containers. [Keep reading](/en/engage/state-of-virtualization-ebook "The state of virtualization") All Red Hat product trials -------------------------- Our no-cost product trials help you gain hands-on experience, prepare for a certification, or assess if a product is right for your organization. [Keep reading](/en/products/trials "All Red Hat product trials") Keep reading ------------ ### What is virtualization? Virtualization is a technology that allows you to create virtual, simulated environments from a single, physical machine. [Read the article](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-virtualization "article | what is virtualization?") ### What is virtualization management? Virtualization management helps simplify resource administration, analyze data, and streamline operations. [Read the article](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-virtualization-management "article | what is virtualization management?") ### Red Hat OpenShift on VMware Explore the benefits of running Red Hat OpenShift on VMware, including resource management, multitenancy, automated installation, and security features. [Read the article](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/vmware "product article | Red Hat OpenShift on VMware") Virtualization resources ------------------------ ### Related content * Blog post [Reduce risk in Kubernetes: How to separate admin roles for safer, compliant operations](/en/separate-admin-roles-with-confidential-containers) * Blog post [Accelerate virtual machine migrations with the migration toolkit for virtualization 2.9](/en/redhat.com/en/blog/accelerate-virtual-machine-migration-with-mtv) * Overview [Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization for public sector organizations](/en/engage/openshift-virtualization-public-sector-overview) * Blog post [What’s new in OpenShift Virtualization: 11 highlights from Red Hat Summit](/en/blog/future-virtualization-unveiled-summit-blog-roundup) ### Related articles * [What is a Linux container?](/en/topics/containers/whats-a-linux-container) * [What is container orchestration?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-container-orchestration) * [Stateful vs stateless applications](/en/topics/cloud-native-apps/stateful-vs-stateless) * [What's the difference between cloud and virtualization?](/en/topics/cloud-computing/cloud-vs-virtualization) * [What is Kubernetes?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-kubernetes) * [What is virtualization?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-virtualization) * [What is virtualization management?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-virtualization-management) * [Red Hat OpenShift on VMware](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/vmware) * [How to migrate VMs from VMware to Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/migrate-vmware-to-openshift-virtualization) * [KVM vs. VMware](/en/topics/virtualization/kvm-vs-vmware-comparison) * [What is virtual infrastructure management? And how can automation help?](/en/topics/automation/virtual-infrastructure-management) * [How to choose a virtualization platform](/en/topics/virtualization/how-to-choose-a-virtualization-platform) * [What is KVM?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-KVM) * [What is KubeVirt?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-kubevirt) * [What is live migration?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-live-migration) * [Why use Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform with Red Hat OpenShift?](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/ansible-on-openshift) * [Why choose Red Hat for virtualization?](/en/topics/virtualization/why-choose-red-hat-for-virtualization) * [What is Podman Desktop?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-podman-desktop) * [Why migrate virtual machines to Red Hat?](/en/topics/virtualization/why-migrate-your-virtual-machines-to-red-hat) * [What is Podman?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-podman) * [What is the Kubernetes Java client?](/en/topics/cloud-computing/what-is-kubernetes-java-client) * [What are hosted control planes?](/en/topics/containers/what-are-hosted-control-planes) * [What is kubernetes security?](/en/topics/containers/kubernetes-security) * [What is a virtual machine (VM)?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-a-virtual-machine) * [Red Hat OpenShift for developers](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/developers) * [Containers vs VMs](/en/topics/containers/containers-vs-vms) * [Edge computing with Red Hat OpenShift](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/edge-computing) * [How Kubernetes can help AI/ML](/en/topics/cloud-computing/how-kubernetes-can-help-ai) * [What is Kubeflow?](/en/topics/cloud-computing/what-is-kubeflow) * [What are microservices?](/en/topics/microservices/what-are-microservices) * [OpenShift vs. OpenStack: What are the differences?](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/openshift-vs-openstack) * [What is container security?](/en/topics/security/container-security) * [What are sandboxed containers](/en/topics/containers/sandboxed-containers) * [what is Buildah?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-buildah) * [Kubernetes vs OpenStack](/en/topics/openstack/kubernetes-vs-openstack) * [What are validated patterns?](/en/topics/cloud-computing/what-are-validated-patterns) * [Kubernetes on AWS: Self-Managed vs. Managed Applications Platforms](/en/topics/containers/kubernetes-on-aws) * [What is a hypervisor?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-a-hypervisor) * [What is an image builder?](/en/topics/linux/what-is-an-image-builder) * [Learn everything you need to know about Open RAN](/en/topics/5g-networks/what-is-open-ran) * [Red Hat OpenShift vs. OKD](/en/topics/containers/red-hat-openshift-okd) * [Red Hat OpenShift vs. Kubernetes: What's the difference?](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/red-hat-openshift-kubernetes) * [Why run Apache Kafka on Kubernetes?](/en/topics/integration/why-run-apache-kafka-on-kubernetes) * [Spring on Kubernetes with Red Hat OpenShift](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/spring) * [What is high availability and disaster recovery for containers?](/en/topics/containers/high-availability-containers) * [What is a golden image?](/en/topics/linux/what-is-a-golden-image) * [What are Red Hat OpenShift cloud services?](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/what-are-red-hat-openshift-cloud-services) * [VNF and CNF, what’s the difference?](/en/topics/cloud-native-apps/vnf-and-cnf-whats-the-difference) * [What is a container registry?](/en/topics/cloud-native-apps/what-is-a-container-registry) * [What is Skopeo?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-skopeo) * [What are Red Hat OpenShift Operators?](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/what-are-openshift-operators) * [Using Helm with Red Hat OpenShift](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/helm) * [Kubernetes security best practices](/en/topics/containers/kubernetes-security-best-practices) * [Orchestrating Windows containers on Red Hat OpenShift](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/windows-containers-on-red-hat-openshift) * [What is a Kubernetes operator?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-a-kubernetes-operator) * [High performance computing with Red Hat OpenShift](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/high-performance-computing) * [What is SD-WAN?](/en/topics/edge-computing/what-is-sd-wan) * [Advantages of Kubernetes-native security](/en/topics/containers/advantages-of-kubernetes-native-security) * [What is KubeLinter?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-kubelinter) * [Container and Kubernetes compliance considerations](/en/topics/containers/compliance) * [Intro to Kubernetes security](/en/topics/containers/intro-kubernetes-security) * [How microservices support IT integration in healthcare](/en/topics/microservices/microservices-in-healthcare) * [Kubernetes cluster management](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/kubernetes-cluster-management) * [Red Hat OpenShift on IBM IT infrastructure](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/what-is-red-hat-openshift-on-IBM-IT-infrastructure) * [Red Hat OpenShift for business leaders](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/business-leaders) * [How to deploy Red Hat OpenShift](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/deploy-red-hat-openshift) * [Cost management for Kubernetes on Red Hat OpenShift](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/cost-management) * [What makes Red Hat OpenShift the right choice for SAP?](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/sap) * [Why choose Red Hat for Kubernetes?](/en/topics/containers/why-choose-red-hat-kubernetes) * [Kubernetes-native Java development with Quarkus](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/quarkus) * [What is enterprise Kubernetes?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-enterprise-kubernetes) * [What makes Red Hat OpenShift the right choice for IT operations?](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/it-operations) * [What is Kubernetes role-based access control (RBAC)](/en/topics/containers/what-kubernetes-role-based-access-control-rbac) * [What is containerization?](/en/topics/cloud-native-apps/what-is-containerization) * [What was CoreOS and CoreOS container Linux](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/what-was-coreos) * [What is network virtualization?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-network-virtualization) * [What is a radio access network?](/en/topics/5g-networks/what-is-radio-access-network) * [Learning Kubernetes basics](/en/topics/containers/learning-kubernetes-tutorial) * [What is service-oriented architecture?](/en/topics/cloud-native-apps/what-is-service-oriented-architecture) * [What is the Kubernetes API?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-the-kubernetes-api) * [What is Kubernetes cluster management?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-kubernetes-cluster-management) * [What is a Kubernetes deployment?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-kubernetes-deployment) * [Why choose the Red Hat build of Quarkus?](/en/topics/cloud-native-apps/why-choose-red-hat-quarkus) * [What is hyperconverged infrastructure?](/en/topics/hyperconverged-infrastructure/what-is-hyperconverged-infrastructure) * [What is software-defined networking?](/en/topics/hyperconverged-infrastructure/what-is-software-defined-networking) * [Introduction to Kubernetes architecture](/en/topics/containers/kubernetes-architecture) * [What is CaaS?](/en/topics/cloud-computing/what-is-caas) * [Introduction to Kubernetes patterns](/en/topics/cloud-native-apps/introduction-to-kubernetes-patterns) * [What is a Kubernetes cluster?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-a-kubernetes-cluster) * [What is Quarkus?](/en/topics/cloud-native-apps/what-is-quarkus) * [What is Jaeger?](/en/topics/microservices/what-is-jaeger) * [What is NFV?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-nfv) * [What is etcd?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-etcd) * [What is Knative?](/en/topics/microservices/what-is-knative) * [What is Clair?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-clair) * [Why choose Red Hat for microservices?](/en/topics/microservices/why-choose-red-hat-microservices) * [Why choose Red Hat for containers?](/en/topics/containers/why-choose-red-hat-containers) * [What is vRAN?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-vran) * [What is Docker?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-docker) * [What is a Kubernetes pod?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-kubernetes-pod) [More about this topic](/en/topics/virtualization "More about this topic")