[Discuss] LVM vs File system file for KVM Virtual Machines?

[Richard Pieri]

LVM2, barring a specific need for image files.  I/O performance is 
really the least concern.

- I can make snapshots of running systems with LVM2.  Can't do it at all 
with image files.

- I can easily resize LVM-backed file systems.  Image files typically 
require conversion and writing new image files.

- The DRBD driver works seamlessly with LVM2-backed domains.  It doesn't 
work at all with image files because image files aren't block devices.

- I can directly mount LVM2-backed file systems on the host assuming the 
host knows how to read/write those file systems.  Image files require 
mucking around with loopback devices.

There are other conveniences but these are the ones that I typically 
rely on with my Xen domains.

-- 
Rich P.