VMware ESXi (formerly ESX) is an enterprise-class, type-1 hypervisor developed by VMware for deploying and serving virtual computers. … ESXi replaces Service Console (a rudimentary operating system) with a more closely integrated OS. ESX/ESXi is the primary component in the VMware Infrastructure software suite.

Is VMware considered an operating system?

VMWare is NOT an operating system – they are the company that develop the ESX/ESXi/vSphere/vCentre Server packages. It’s not linux and, if you believe VMWare, it is not based on linux.

Is ESXi a operating system?

VMware ESXi is an operating system-independent hypervisor based on the VMkernel operating system that interfaces with agents that run on top of it. ESXi stands for Elastic Sky X Integrated. ESXi is a type-1 hypervisor, meaning it runs directly on system hardware without the need for an operating system (OS).