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Proxmox Virtual Environment 8.1: Now with Enhanced Security and SDN Capability
Proxmox Server Solutions has just announced the highly anticipated release of version 8.1 of its top-performing open-source server virtualization platform, Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE). This latest update builds upon the already solid foundation set by version 8.0, which introduced game-changing technologies such as QEMU 7.1, LXC 5, and support for Ceph Quincy 17.2.
The 8.1 release brings a wealth of improvements, bug fixes, and new features that elevate Proxmox VE to an even higher level of performance. The most notable additions are Secure Boot compatibility and a comprehensive Software-defined Network (SDN) stack, making Proxmox VE 8.1 a must-have for any organization looking to improve their security, networking capabilities, and overall system performance.
Based on Debian 12.2 (“Bookworm”) and utilizing the stable Linux kernel 6.5, Proxmox VE 8.1 incorporates ZFS 2.2.0, with important bug fixes from version 2.2.1 to ensure a reliable and high-performing storage solution. And like previous versions, Proxmox VE 8.1 remains free and open-source, distributed under the GNU Affero General Public License, v3.
Proxmox VE 8.1 Improvements and Features
One of the most significant advancements in Proxmox VE 8.1 is its support for Secure Boot, a crucial security protocol that safeguards the boot process by only allowing software with a valid digital signature to be executed during startup. This means that Proxmox VE can now be easily installed in environments where Secure Boot is active, significantly improving its security capabilities.
Another standout feature in the 8.1 release is the integration of Software-defined Network (SDN) technology. As a core component, SDN allows users to create virtual zones and networks (VNets) directly from the web interface. This offers great flexibility and scalability, making it easier to manage complex networking configurations and multitenancy setups. SDN is versatile enough to cater to a range of business needs, from private networks on individual nodes to extensive overlay networks across multiple clusters.
In version 8.1, Proxmox VE introduces a new, flexible notification system that allows users to define specific targets for different types of notifications using a matcher-based approach. This new approach gives administrators much more precise control over their notification rules, resulting in more tailored alerts that better align with their operational needs.
Keeping up with its commitment to providing support for cutting-edge storage solutions, Proxmox VE 8.1 adds compatibility for Ceph Reef 18.2.0 while maintaining support for Ceph Quincy 17.2.7. Ceph Reef offers improved defaults that boost performance and increase read speeds, making it an ideal and scalable storage backend for virtualized environments.
How to Download Proxmox VE 8.1
For those looking to get their hands on the latest and greatest edition of Proxmox VE, you can download it now from their website. The ISO includes all the new features and can be easily installed on any bare-metal system. The user-friendly web interface, which offers intuitive management capabilities via both command-line and browser-based administration, continues to make managing Proxmox VE a breeze.
Existing users can easily upgrade to Proxmox VE 8.1 via the apt package manager.
Join the Proxmox VE Community
Don’t miss out on future releases and updates from Proxmox VE! Engage with the Proxmox VE community through their newsletter and various social media channels such as YouTube, Podcast iTunes/Spotify, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and their RSS feed.
