What is Proxmox?

Proxmox is an open-source platform for virtualisation and containerisation. It allows for the operation and management of virtual machines, containers, and high-availability clusters. With its web-based interface and active community, Proxmox is considered a flexible and cost-effective alternative to commercial virtualisation solutions.

An introduction to Proxmox

Proxmox Virtual Environment (PVE) is an open-source virtualisation platform introduced in 2008 by Proxmox Server Solutions GmbH. It combines the KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) hypervisor with LXC containers, enabling the use of both traditional virtual machines and lightweight containers. Administration can be handled through a web-based interface or the command line, with the option to enable Proxmox SSH for direct access if required.

A key feature of PVE is its support for clustering and high availability, which allows multiple Proxmox servers to be connected. The platform also includes built-in tools for backup, recovery, and live migration. It supports common guest operating systems such as Linux and Windows. Thanks to its open architecture, storage technologies like ZFS, iSCSI, and Ceph on Proxmox can be easily integrated. This makes PVE a flexible solution suitable for both small-scale environments and large enterprise deployments.

What are the requirements?

Running Proxmox requires a certain level of hardware. For private test setups, older servers or PCs are often sufficient, but production systems demand more powerful resources. In particular, for a Proxmox Bare Metal Installation, it is recommended to use high-performance hardware to ensure a stable and efficient environment.

• CPU: 64-bit processor with Intel VT-x or AMD-V support
• Memory: At least 2 GB RAM, additional RAM for each guest (recommended: 8 GB or more)
• Disk Space: Starting from 32 GB (significantly more depending on VMs/containers), SSD is recommended
• Network card with gigabit connection
• USB stick or DVD drive for installation

What are the applications?

Proxmox is highly versatile and can be used in a wide range of IT environments. From home labs and small businesses to large-scale data centres, the platform supports numerous scenarios. Below are some of the most common use cases.

File server

Proxmox can be used to run a file server. Thanks to virtualisation, file shares can be provided for Windows, Linux, and macOS clients. Built-in storage solutions ensure high data security, while snapshots and backups enable quick recovery in the event of a failure. A Proxmox-based file server can also be easily scaled by adding new virtual machines. This makes it an attractive option for both small teams and larger enterprises, as it enables centralised and efficient data management.

Backup server

Another key use case is setting up a dedicated backup server. Proxmox provides its own solution with Proxmox Backup Server, specifically optimised for fast and space-efficient data backups. Backups can be performed incrementally to save storage space, while encryption protects data from unauthorised access. When combined with clustering, backups can also be distributed across multiple locations. This makes Proxmox especially well-suited for businesses that prioritise failover protection.

Test and development environments

Proxmox is an excellent choice for developers and administrators who need test or development environments. New software can be safely tested in virtual machines or containers without putting the host system at risk. Snapshots make it easy to revert to a stable state, and multiple versions of an application can be run in parallel for comparison. Automated testing also benefits from the quick provisioning of new instances. In addition, the ability to set up a Kubernetes cluster on Proxmox makes it possible to test containerised applications under realistic conditions. These features make Proxmox a popular tool in DevOps and CI/CD workflows.

Web and application hosting

Proxmox can also be used to efficiently host web and application servers. Administrators can run separate virtual machines or containers for different services, such as databases, web servers, or mail servers. This setup improves security and allows for precise resource allocation. Proxmox’s high availability features help keep critical applications online even in the event of hardware failures, while clustering makes scaling straightforward. For small hosting providers or internal business applications, Proxmox offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive cloud solutions.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

Proxmox can also be used to set up Virtual Desktop Infrastructures (VDI). Employees can access virtual desktops through thin clients or remote connections, which are centrally hosted in the data centre. This greatly reduces the management effort for end devices. Security updates can be rolled out centrally, improving overall IT security. BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) scenarios are also supported, since the actual work environment runs on secure servers. This approach is especially valuable for companies with many mobile employees.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Proxmox?

Proxmox provides a wide range of features and is freely available under an open-source license. It brings together virtualisation, containerisation, backup, and cluster management in a single solution. Its web-based interface makes administration straightforward, even for beginners. At the same time, more advanced scenarios—such as clustering or Ceph storage—require a solid level of technical expertise. While the core platform is free, businesses can purchase a subscription for professional support. For very large infrastructures with specialised needs, commercial alternatives may sometimes provide a more stable ecosystem.

An overview of the advantages and disadvantages

Who is Proxmox recommended for?

Proxmox is suitable for a broad range of users. IT enthusiasts can use it to simulate server environments in a home lab and build hands-on experience. Small and medium-sized businesses benefit from its low cost and high flexibility. The ability to run multiple services—such as file servers, web servers, or test environments—on a single platform is especially appealing. Larger organisations are also adopting Proxmox, particularly in areas where open-source solutions are valued. Those who prioritise transparency, customisability, and community support will find Proxmox a strong option. However, users with limited technical knowledge should be ready to invest time in learning the platform.

What are the most popular Proxmox alternatives?

In addition to Proxmox, there are several other virtualisation platforms that may be suitable depending on your specific requirements. Some follow commercial licensing models, while others are also available as open source.

• VMware vSphere/ESXi: One of the most widely known virtualisation solutions with a strong focus on enterprise-grade features. VMware is highly stable, but in comparison Proxmox vs VMware, it is a licensed solution and often more expensive than the open-source alternative.
• Microsoft Hyper-V: A virtualisation technology integrated into Windows Server. In comparison Proxmox vs. Hyper-V, Hyper-V is particularly attractive for organisations already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
• Xen/XCP-ng: An open-source hypervisor that provides solid performance and flexibility. The comparison Proxmox vs XCP-ng shows that XCP-ng is especially popular in hosting environments.
• oVirt: An open-source virtualisation platform based on KVM, similar to Proxmox but with a different architecture and management approach.
• KVM: An open-source hypervisor built into the Linux kernel that delivers strong performance and flexibility. Unlike Proxmox, which uses KVM as its foundation and adds a user-friendly web interface along with extra features, running pure KVM—see Proxmox vs KVM—requires more manual configuration and expertise.
• Docker: While not a direct replacement for Proxmox, Docker is an attractive option for containerised applications. It is particularly well-suited for microservices and DevOps workflows.