Citrix Systems is offering its
XenServer virtualisation platform for free to any user for
unlimited production deployment. Although the basic Xen hypervisor
is already a free product, Citrix will now provide its centralised
multi-node management software for free.
The centralised management tools include physical-to-virtual and
virtual-to-virtual conversion tools, centralised configuration
management and XenMotion technology that Citrix said allows virtual
machines to be moved from server to server without service
interruption.
However, users who want lab automation, dynamic provisioning,
workflow orchestration, high availability and integration with
storage systems will need to purchase the company's Essentials for
XenServer software, which costs between $1,500 to $5,000 per
physical server.
The new free Citrix XenServer release will be available for
download from the Citrix website and other download portals by the
end of March 2009. Citrix Essentials for XenServer will be
available from Citrix resellers on April 7, 2009. A preview of the
XenServer Essentials can download from
citrix.com/freexenserver
Read more about virtualisation:
Citrix XenServer cuts costs for University of Buckingham
>>
Virtualisation goes mainstream >>
If you outsource your virtualisation, thoroughly check your
provider's security >>
Microsoft Hyper-V versus VMWare >>
Prepare for 10% Citrix price hike >>
Citrix teams with HP to accelerate server virtualisation adoption
>>