RedHat OpenShift Virtualization [Part 2] – Added value for businesses

In our first article, we introduced RedHat OpenShift Virtualization (RHOCPV) as a bridge between the worlds of containers and VMs. But what does that mean for business in concrete terms? What are the advantages of no longer running workloads in separate infrastructures, but instead combining containers and virtual machines under a common Kubernetes runtime?

A Platform for Container and VMs

Kubernetes has established itself as the de facto standard for containerized applications. OpenShift Virtualization expands this model: in addition to pods and containers, classic virtual machines can also run natively in the cluster.

The result is a unified platform that connects two worlds:

- Containers for new, agile microservices and cloud-native workloads.

- VMs for existing applications that are not yet containerized or are difficult to containerize.

This dual function reduces complexity: instead of running multiple platforms in parallel, you consolidate on OpenShift – with the same tools for deployment, logging, monitoring and security.

Smooth migration of classic VMs

One of the biggest hurdles in modernization projects is the migration of existing virtual machines. Many companies operate hundreds or thousands of VMs on VMware, Proxmox or Hyper-V.

With the Migration Toolkit for Virtualization (MTV), RedHat provides a tool for automatically transferring VMs from VMware environments to OpenShift. Networks, storage and configurations are also transferred. Other formats such as OVA are also supported.

This eliminates the ‘big bang’ effect. Companies can migrate step by step and run containers and VMs in parallel in the same cluster.

Future-proof architecture for hybrid platforms

The reality in most companies is hybrid:
- Parts of the infrastructure run on-premises in the data-center
- other workloads are located in public clouds
- There are also edge locations or industry-specific special systems for local applications or data proximity..

OpenShift Virtualization fits seamlessly into the picture:
RHOCP allows you to run both containers and VMs in all these environments – on-premises, in the cloud, or at the edge. The OpenShift Container Platform creates a consistent platform that supports both classic and modern workloads, regardless of where they run or what the type is (container or VM).

This means that companies are not building isolated solutions, but rather a consistent platform that supports existing VMs today and can carry full containerized workloads tomorrow.

Flexibility in parallel operation

One underestimated advantage is flexibility during the transition. People often say, ‘We can't switch to containers because we still have too many VMs.’ OpenShift Virtualization takes the wind out of that argument.

- Parallel operation: Containerized services run right alongside traditional VMs with full integration into existing networks in the on-premises landscape
- Gradual modernization: A VM can continue to operate in the cluster for an extended period of time, until it is containerized
- Standardized operating models: CI/CD pipelines, GitOps or security policies can be applied to containers and VMs.

This creates an evolutionary migration path-without disruption.

Example: Migration from VMware to OpenShift Virtualization

The migration of VMware environments is particularly relevant at present. Due to rising license costs and consolidations in the market, many companies are looking for alternatives.

With the Migration Toolkit for Virtualization (MTV), complete VMware/VMs can be automatically transferred to the OpenShift cluster:
- VMs are converted and deployed as KubeVirt-VMs
- Networks and storage connections can be adapted to the new environment
- The process is repeatable, documentable, and automatable.

This creates a direct exit route from proprietary virtualization platforms- into a Kubernetes-based, open future.

Conclusion: Added value beyond technology

OpenShift Virtualization is not purely a technical feature. It is a strategic building block for companies that want to consolidate their infrastructure, reduce costs and accelerate their modernization at the same time.

- A platform for containers and VMs reduces silos
- Migration tools minimize the obstacles of switching from VMware
- Hybrid architecture makes the platform future-proof
- Parallel operation offers maximum flexibility.

In short, OpenShift Virtualization does more than just enable ‘VMs in OpenShift’. It gives companies the freedom to move from traditional VMs to modern cloud-native architectures at their own pace.

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