Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) is a virtualization infrastructure for the Linux kernel that turns it into a hypervisor. It was merged into the Linux kernel mainline in kernel version 2.6.20.
License: Open Source
KVM is an open-source hypervisor that integrates seamlessly with Linux, making it lightweight and efficient, while VMware vSphere Hypervisor is a commercial product known for its robust features and user-friendly management tools. The choice between them often depends on budget constraints, existing infrastructure, and specific use-case requirements.