Stratus Technologies Inc. expands ftServer with KVM for RHEL
Stratus Technologies Inc., a long-standing name in edge computing, has added kernel-based virtual machine (KVM) support to its 12th generation ftServer platforms running Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). The update gives teams more flexibility and openness in how they virtualize on Linux—without giving up the fault-tolerant compute these systems are built to deliver.
Why KVM support matters now
The latest ftServer family is designed for organizations that want robust, Linux-based virtualization. With KVM now available, you can run multiple virtual machines side by side and keep workloads isolated, all on the same hardware. That combination helps both operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) teams consolidate critical applications onto a single, resilient platform and simplify day-to-day management.
Built for uptime: reliability and redundancy
Stratus ftServer platforms are recognized for their exceptional reliability. Even while supporting multiple virtual machines, the systems are engineered to maintain five-nines reliability or better. For businesses that can’t afford interruptions, that level of availability keeps operations on track. Proactive health monitoring is part of the design, alerting teams to potential issues before they grow and helping keep workloads running smoothly.
Expert perspective on modern virtualization
“Virtualization enables organizations to streamline their workloads onto a unified platform. This can facilitate lower costs and simplify management. However, it is essential to recognize that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution,” said Dara Ambrose, Vice President of Products and Solutions at Stratus. The takeaway: companies need the freedom to shape their virtualization stack to fit specific requirements—and KVM support gives them another option to do exactly that.
Availability: versions and models
KVM hypervisor support is now available on RHEL 8.8 for 12th generation ftServer models 2920, 4920, 6920, and 6910. Organizations already running ftServer and RHEL can add this capability by logging in to the Stratus Service Portal and downloading the updated Automated Uptime Layer (AUL) for RHEL.
About Stratus Technologies
Stratus Technologies helps organizations modernize operations with zero-touch edge computing platforms that keep mission-critical applications continuously available. These platforms are straightforward to deploy and maintain, and they’re built to withstand interruptions. With more than 40 years of experience, Stratus supports enterprises from global Fortune 500 companies to small and mid-sized businesses—turning data into actionable intelligence to improve uptime and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does KVM support add to the 12th generation ftServer?
It lets you run multiple virtual machines on Red Hat Enterprise Linux while keeping the platform’s fault-tolerant compute intact. In practice, you get flexible Linux virtualization on a system designed for continuous availability.
Who is this update intended for?
Both OT and IT teams. It’s aimed at organizations that want to consolidate critical applications onto a single, reliable ftServer platform and simplify management without sacrificing uptime.
Which RHEL version and ftServer models are supported?
KVM support is available on RHEL 8.8 for the 12th generation ftServer models 2920, 4920, 6920, and 6910.
Does enabling KVM change the reliability of ftServer?
No. The ftServer platform is designed to deliver five-nines reliability or greater even when running multiple virtual machines, and it includes proactive health monitoring to flag issues early.
How do current customers enable the new KVM capability?
Log in to the Stratus Service Portal and download the updated Automated Uptime Layer (AUL) for RHEL. If you’re already using ftServer with RHEL, the new KVM support can be added through that update.
