Next-Generation Virtualization — Microsoft Introduces OpenVMM in Rust

Microsoft has announced the launch of OpenVMM, a new open-source project for a cross-platform virtual machine monitor (VMM) written in Rust. OpenVMM is modular, cross-platform, and general-purpose, enabling it to operate on various operating systems, including:

• Windows
• Linux
• macOS

The project has open-source code licensed under MIT and is available for developers on GitHub at the repository microsoft/openvmm.

Support for Diverse Platforms

OpenVMM is a versatile tool for virtualization as it supports a wide range of architectures and virtualization APIs. Key supported platforms include:

• Windows with WHP (Windows Hypervisor Platform)
• Linux with KVM and MSHV (Microsoft Hypervisor)
• macOS with Hypervisor.framework

There is also the option to use OpenVMM as a (paravisor) within OpenHCL, allowing for virtualization services to be provided from the guest environment itself.

Documentation and Resources for Developers

Microsoft has prepared detailed documentation for developers, including guides for setting up OpenVMM as a traditional VMM and using OpenHCL as a (paravisor). It includes recommendations for locally building OpenVMM and OpenHCL, making the project accessible to a wide range of developers.

With OpenVMM, Microsoft opens new horizons in virtualization. As a result, developers worldwide gain the opportunity to streamline processes and continue working with various guest operating systems.