In an effort to help IT managers better consolidate large
Intel-based server farms, VMware has introduced an enhanced version
of its virtual computing software, VMware ESX Server 1.1.
The software allows users to partition physical servers internally
to create multiple servers running separate tasks within the same
system, according to representatives for VMware.
Improvements to Version 1.1 of VMware's ESX Server include an
improved installation process, added support for RAID and network
controllers, security enhancements, compatibility with remote
installation tools, and an improved interface with Web-based
management tools.
VMware is targeting its ESX Server 1.1 product at companies
interested in using internal server partitioning to consolidate
large Intel-based server deployments. As part of this effort,
VMware representatives are touting the reliability of ESX Server
1.1 to ensure complete isolation of every virtual server from
neighbouring virtual servers within the same system.
Successful isolation of virtual servers running within a single,
physical server is vital when it comes to guaranteeing security in
a virtual server environment, according to those familiar with the
technology.
Accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) is using VMware's ESX
Server 1.1 to consolidate servers at 26 of its sites into a single
site, according to VMware representatives. In doing so, PWC will go
from 650 servers down to less than 350, creating considerable
savings, a VMware representative said.