The OKL4 microvisor: convergence point of microkernels and hypervisors

We argue that recent hypervisor-vs-microkernel discussions completely miss the point. Fundamentally, the two classes of systems h in common, and provide similar abstractions. We assert that the requirements for both types of systems can be met with a single set of abstractions, a single design, and a single implementation. We present partial proof of the existence of this convergence point, in the guise of the OKL4 microvisor, an industrial-strength system designed as a highly-efficient hypervisor for use in embedded systems. It is also a third-generation microkernel that aims to support the construction of similarly componentised systems as classical microkernels. Benchmarks show that the microvisor's virtualization performance is highly competitive. Categories and Subject Descriptors D.4.7 [Operating Systems]: Organization and Design--Real-time systems and embedded systems General Terms Design, Performance Keywords Microkernels, hypervisors, virtual machines, real-time systems ...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2010
• Where: SIGCOMM
• Authors: Gernot Heiser, Ben Leslie
• Keywords: Communications, Embedded Systems, Real-time Systems, SIGCOMM 2010, Systems