Virtual Machine Server (VM Server)

Definition - What does Virtual Machine Server (VM Server) mean?

A virtual machine server (VM server) hosts or runs virtual machines that run various operating systems and act as full computing platforms on their own through emulation and virtualization. Software developers use VM servers for testing software in different environments without actually getting the hardware for those environments, thus saving money and time. This also prevents damage to the hardware, which can occur with potentially buggy software. A VM server hosts multiple virtual machines at once so that multiple tests or procedures can be done simultaneously.

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Techopedia explains Virtual Machine Server (VM Server)

Virtual machine servers provide fully equipped and functional virtual environments through virtualization technology. This allows the deployment of different combinations of operating systems and software on a supported virtual environment. Most virtual machine servers are equipped with a suite of management tools. These allow administrators to either increase or decrease resources allocated to the virtual machines, manage the number of connections and use a basic setup that includes an operating system, hardware and software installations.

Virtual machine servers mostly operate in two modes:

Paravirtual Mode: Only some hardware devices are not completely emulated. For other essential devices, real hardware is used.
Full Virtual Mode: This mode makes the virtual machine server emulate all hardware devices being used by the VMs.