Oracle Linux vs. XenServer

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Oracle Linux
Score 8.8 out of 10
N/A
Oracle Linux, which is application binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, is free to download, use, and share. There is no license cost, no need for a contract, and no usage audits. 24/7 enterprise-grade support is available for business critical environments. A single support offering includes virtualization, management, HA, and cloud native computing tools such as Kubernetes and Kata Containers, along with the Linux operating system. The vendor states that as the only Linux…
$0
per month
XenServer
Score 7.2 out of 10
N/A
XenServer (formerly Citrix Hypervisor) is a virtualization management platform optimized for application, desktop and server virtualization infrastructures.N/A
Pricing
Oracle LinuxXenServer
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Oracle LinuxXenServer
Free Trial
YesNo
Free/Freemium Version
YesNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
YesNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Features
Oracle LinuxXenServer
Server Virtualization
Comparison of Server Virtualization features of Product A and Product B
Oracle Linux
-
Ratings
XenServer
6.6
11 Ratings
23% below category average
Virtual machine automated provisioning00 Ratings2.010 Ratings
Management console00 Ratings5.011 Ratings
Live virtual machine backup00 Ratings8.010 Ratings
Live virtual machine migration00 Ratings9.011 Ratings
Hypervisor-level security00 Ratings9.010 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Oracle LinuxXenServer
Small Businesses
Ubuntu
Ubuntu
Score 9.0 out of 10
Proxmox VE
Proxmox VE
Score 9.3 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Score 9.2 out of 10
VMware vSOM (discontinued)
VMware vSOM (discontinued)
Score 10.0 out of 10
Enterprises
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Score 9.2 out of 10
VMware vSOM (discontinued)
VMware vSOM (discontinued)
Score 10.0 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Oracle LinuxXenServer
Likelihood to Recommend
8.8
(90 ratings)
8.0
(11 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
8.0
(1 ratings)
10.0
(3 ratings)
Usability
-
(0 ratings)
6.1
(2 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
5.5
(1 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
6.4
(1 ratings)
Support Rating
8.3
(81 ratings)
6.4
(1 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
2.7
(1 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
7.3
(1 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
5.5
(1 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
5.5
(1 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
6.4
(1 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(1 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(1 ratings)
User Testimonials
Oracle LinuxXenServer
Likelihood to Recommend
Oracle
Oracle Linux is a very good and useful combination of the stability of Rhel and support for Oracle Databases. Our organisation uses an application and a database combo that we offer to the client but after the inclusion of Oracle Linux into our infrastructure, the provision and the operation cost are reduced significantly. So I would recommend using Oracle Linux when you are using multiple on-premises DB servers and want to move to a more secure, organised, and fast operating system.
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XenServer
It can be really helpful & useful if we are using Citrix Hypervisor with other provisioning tools. Here are some specific scenarios where Citrix Hypervisor (formerly Citrix XenServer) is well-suited: Server Consolidation, Virtual Desktops, Disaster Recovery, Development & Testing Environments. On the other hand, there are some scenarios where Citrix Hypervisor may be less appropriate: Small-scale Deployments, Highly Heterogeneous Environments, and Limited Virtualization Requirements.
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Pros
Oracle
  • We use Oracle Linux distro for every customer. The OS is very easy and absolutely free to develop/host and update our customers' apps and data across the globe. I personally use it in my lab to practice and test some personal stuff
  • We have Oracle Linux database, WebLogic, and e-business suite hosted on Oracle Linux. It is used across our whole organization in running critical applications. It is robust, easy to manage and administer, with rock-solid stability and very minimal server reboots or performance issues. I would highly recommend Oracle Linux over other operating systems.
  • Oracle Linux is trusted in high-volume, transactional, mission-critical production IT environments.
  • Oracle’s Linux support is relied upon for applications that require continuous or near-continuous availability
  • Application performance in general was enhanced as a result of the migration to Oracle Linux from Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
  • Oracle Linux-based VMs are used in our case for hosting a spark-based cluster for processing big data-based workloads. Those VMs have better security configurations and are patched. It has built-in installed packages which come in handy for a developer to start the development activity for the project.
  • We are using Oracle Linux as our primary Linux distribution deployed for our customers, but also for testing purposes on multiple test and UAT environments. Currently, it is used mainly by our department. We aim to provide commercial technical support for customers for our products, and thanks to the Oracle Linux Support program which covers Oracle Linux, we are getting assistance if needed.
  • I work across many different types of organizations. In some cases, Oracle Linux is being used for all database servers across the entire organization. In some cases, it is being selectively rolled out to replace legacy Unix systems. Plus in a few isolated cases, I've helped to replace Windows database servers with Oracle Linux. The common theme across all these different types of organizations is that they want the best Linux for running Oracle, which is pre-tuned and optimized as well as well supported by the database vendor. Oracle Linux wins hands down on these points.
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XenServer
  • Citrix hypervisor does price very well for small organizations. It is free.
  • Since this product is open source it does not have any type of vendor lockdown issues.
  • Allows live migration of VM's so you can keep systems up and running when changes are needed to the hardware in the background.
  • The GUI management tools are quite easy to learn.
  • Has Snapshot capability which is a great way to protect against malware as well as do risk-free upgrades.
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Cons
Oracle
  • TigerVNC needs some fine tuning in Oracle Linux 8.4.
  • AutoTuning of Kernal Parameters for Oracle Databases based on the available hardware resources.
  • Embedded IPA Solutions to manage large number of Oracle Linux Systems.
  • Simple commands for LUN management.
  • Proactive SELinux policy violation message to administrator's mailbox.
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XenServer
  • Adding or presenting additional storage to the host can often be a task that is far more involved than competitive products.
  • The product can require reboots more frequently than competitors due to the DOM kernel getting "hung up".
  • Sometimes when a virtual machine is deleted it still leaves behind orphaned vdisks.
  • Recovering from the loss of a host can sometimes cause virtual machines to require lengthy command prompt scripting to fix so they can be powered back on from another host.
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Likelihood to Renew
Oracle
No answers on this topic
XenServer
With the knowledge and usage of solutions from VMware and Microsoft offering more compelling cloud integrated options it makes it more compelling in many environments which I consult. XenServer is a good product and fits the bill in many smaller environments but as clients look to the cloud or a hybrid cloud it can in some cases make it a bit more difficult.
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Usability
Oracle
No answers on this topic
XenServer
XenServer is quite usable due to the simplicity the management and installation provide for an administrator. The console for management is very intuitive and can easily be installed on any Windows operating system. There is a relatively simple web console that can be implemented as well that enhances the usability to provide service to non-administrators.
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Reliability and Availability
Oracle
No answers on this topic
XenServer
It's been a little problematic in the past at larger VDI deployments requiring a bit more care and feeding than other vendors. But the latest releases (6.5.x) have brought about huge improvements in the stability and availability.
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Performance
Oracle
No answers on this topic
XenServer
When running like a top XenServer is a fantastic hypervisor. There is relatively low overhead on the Dom0 so workloads get the most of the resources.
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Support Rating
Oracle
One of the most robust Linux distributions is Redhat, its forks have given rise to infinite business models and distributions that have defined the market. Oracle Linux, obviously developed by the tech giant Oracle, is constantly releasing a flexible and incredibly stable product while adding its own bunch of new features. Among the most notable is the "Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel" (UEK).
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XenServer
The staff I've worked with are very knowledgeable or able to get a very well articulated and capable support team member on the phone or helping them if necessary and they always want to ensure the best experience possible for you on the platform. The ability for the support team to reach out to hardware vendors for assistance is a nice plus too.
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In-Person Training
Oracle
No answers on this topic
XenServer
Part of a training for certification to become a trainer for Citrix included an in-person training with a Master CCI. The XenServer training at this time was pretty simplified due to the product primarily being installed however you did have to work with it and mildly configure the system.
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Online Training
Oracle
No answers on this topic
XenServer
Haven't given it a real go with any online training however there are some options out there. I have taught a course following Citrix material for XenDesktop which leverages XenServer and it is pre-built so not the best for XenServer specifically for installation but configuration is mildly touched on
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Implementation Rating
Oracle
No answers on this topic
XenServer
Ensure you review the HCL (hardware compatibility list) and reach out to the hardware vendors to ensure they support the platform and in case they have documentation that can be followed for the implementation. Also ensure the prerequisites are completed prior to implementation so that as few unexpected delays occur as you can control.
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Alternatives Considered
Oracle
The Oracle Linux definitely comes on the top when it comes down to being easily available as its platform-independent. This is where the masses lie as we have moved to a hybrid work environment where keeping everyone on the same devices is no more required. Linux stands out as it allows the industry workers to implement BYOD in all environments. Software as a service is truly done by Linux. I don’t want to switch to other platforms anymore.
Read full review
XenServer
Feature for feature they are neck and neck. I have used Hyper-V 2012 and 2016, VMware ESXi and XenServer evenly. XenServer is a fast install, good documentation, with enterprise features out the box that compare or exceed what VMWare offered with a higher cost of entry.
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Scalability
Oracle
No answers on this topic
XenServer
The servers latest versions have made massive improvements to scalability. But from past experience there have been issues when running workloads for extended periods of time without reboot on the hosts. I would need to run similar workloads on the 6.5 release which has changed much of the bottlenecks or issues so I'd imagine its far more capable now, Perhaps able to stand near the best in the market.
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Return on Investment
Oracle
  • Oracle Linux provides technical advances that Solaris UNIX does not while saving millions of dollars.
  • Oracle Linux supports automated patching and easy maintenance, allowing less downtime for users and developers.
  • Oracle Linux is recommended for applications already on Oracle Database and using other Oracle products and software.
  • Oracle Linux is a secure, stable, and high-performance operating system that allows hybrid or cloud platforms.
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XenServer
  • Xenserver is easy to learn. We paid for support only for installation and deployment in the first three years, and now our team has the knowledge to solve most problems.
  • Low CAPEX if you have a team that uses open source software day by day.
  • But paid support is necessary to solve critical problems. The open source community is not enough. Actually, we have difficulty solving some bugs without paying for support.
  • Medium OPEX if you have a team that uses open source software day by day.
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