# Supported platforms for Security Engine deployment

You can run Security Engines on various platforms.

The following general types of platforms are available for Security Engines:

- Purpose-built Security Engine appliances
  Note: For information about supported appliance models, see Knowledge Base article 9743.
- VMware ESX and KVM virtualization platforms
- Microsoft Hyper-V virtualization platform (Security Engine with Layer 3 Interfaces only)
- Microsoft Azure cloud-based virtualization platform (Security Engine with Layer 3 Interfaces only)
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud-based virtualization platform (Security Engine with Layer 3 Interfaces only)
- Third-party hardware that meets the hardware requirements

Note: When Security Engine is running on a virtualization platform or a cloud virtualization platform, Master Engines and Virtual Engines are not supported.

For supported versions of virtualization platforms, see the Release Notes.

The Security Engine software includes an integrated, hardened Linux operating system. The operating system eliminates the need for separate installation, configuration, and patching.