VMware’s game changing move: free VMware Server February 6, 2006
Posted by James Webster in : virtualization , trackbackUPDATE: Its available, no sign of Workstation for OS X though!
Although not yet announced on their website, over the weekend it had been rumoured and then confirmed that VMware would be making available a free version of their VMware Server GSX product. The essential difference between GSX and the meatier ESX is that ESX operates its own host operating system exclusively for running guest OSes, whereas GSX (and the upcoming VMware Server) must still be installed on top of a host OS (Windows or Linux). For heavy-duty virtualization environments ESX Server will still be the preference. Availability of a free VMware Server will be particularly beneficial for many development teams wanting to test their software in a distributed environment without needing separate physical servers.
Of course, the open-source Xen has been offering a Linux-only server virtualization solution (Windows support coming sometime in ‘06 apparently) but I would wager that the VMware solution may be easier to get up and running.
virtualization.info has the scoop on the anticipated features of VMware Server. The VMware home page also hints of other big announcements today; ‘Find Out What’s Coming Soon From VMware, Monday 6th February’. I wonder if an OS X Intel version of Workstation and Player will be announced?
Comments»
Mmm. I am a coupla days late on this but I have noticed that a Mr. Joel Spolsky has an interest too. Two whole days after you do. Wow! You really are the news before the news. http://www.joelonsoftware.com/items/2006/02/08b.html