Perspective of virtual machine consolidation in cloud computing: a systematic survey

Virtual Machine Consolidation (VMC) in cloud computing refers to the process of optimizing resource utilization by consolidating multiple Virtual Machines (VMs) onto fewer physical servers. This approach aims to maximize the efficiency of resource allocation, reduce operational costs, and enhance overall system performance. In general, effective VMC remains a cornerstone of efficient cloud infrastructure management, balancing resource efficiency with operational complexities to deliver reliable and cost-effective services. In this paper, we undertake a systematic survey of the essential steps in VMC within cloud computing environments. We focus on three critical phases: Physical Machines (PMs) detection, VMs selection, and VMs placement. The review comprehensively explores various aspects of VMC in cloud computing, including motivations, benefits, techniques, challenges, limitations, and applications. It also delves into the techniques and algorithms used for VMC, providing insights into state-of-the-art approaches. Meanwhile, the paper serves as a valuable resource for researchers interested in VMC, and provides a foundation for future research endeavors.