VMware, Microsoft Compete With New Virtual Servers

Less than a week after rival Microsoft released a beta of its Virtual Server 2004, VMware on Monday unveiled its newest virtualization server, a mid-range package that supports not only Windows, but also the Linux and NetWare operating systems.

Virtual servers are increasingly popular in IT departments trying to consolidate data center hardware, for they allow one physical server to run multiple operating systems.

VMware's new GSX Server 3, which increases the maximum amount of memory per virtual server to 3.6GB, features support for shared network adapters and SCSI backup devices, and boasts 10 to 20 percent faster disk and networking performance, claimed VMware.

The new virtual server is compatible with VMware's VirtualCenter management and provisioning software, supports automatic startup and shutdown, and offers a migration path to the data center-level ESX Server that VMware also sells.

VMware was purchased by storage giant EMC in 2003.GXS Server 3 will ship later this week, said VMware, at prices starting at $2,500 for installation on a dual-processor physical server.