Client Hypervisor

What is a Client Hypervisor?

A client hypervisor is a hypervisor that is installed on end user laptops or desktop computers to provide the ability to run virtual desktops locally in an Intelligent Desktop Virtualization (IDV) solution.

Client hypervisors are very similar to server hypervisors, with one major difference. Server hypervisors don't have to worry as much about device support because servers are relatively simple when it comes to devices. Client hypervisors must support a much wider array of devices as well as support a variety of buttons and unique hardware on laptop computers.

What are the Different Types of Client Hypervisors?

There are three flavors of client hypervisors. A bare metal client hypervisor is installed on the end point before any other software, and is often confused with a Type-1 hypervisor, since they both run directly on the hardware with no operating system sitting between the hardware and the hypervisor. A Type-2 hypervisor, on the other hand, sits on top of an operating system.

Which Type of Client Hypervisor is Best?

Type-1 hypervisors are far superior to Type-2 hypervisors because they provide a higher level of performance and security. This is mainly due to the fact that there is no underlying operating system to be compromised, as with Type-2 hypervisors. Virtual Computer NxTop Engine is an example of a Type-1 hypervisor, which was developed using the open source Xen hypervisor as a foundation.