Server Virtualisation

[Aelara]

Hello, Which product would you recommend for use as a virtualisation solution?. Apart from Microsoft's Hyper V due in August which product would you recommend? I am running an 8 core fujitsu rackmount with 8gb memory etc. Intention is to trial run 3 virtual W2k3 servers eg Intranet Server, Exchange and Helpdesk servers. Any Ideas? Looked at VMWare but confused as to which one and addons are required for enterprise class service..

Thanks, Aelara.

 

[LWComputingMVP]

Really, until Hyper-V, ESX server is probably the best solution - but that's a hardware platform as well.

If you are willing to move to Hyper-V once it's released, then I'd start off with Virtual Server (even though it's not as good in terms of performance) because the Hard Disk file format is the same as is used in Hyper-V

-Lee

Those who ask why, learn

http://www.lwcomputing.com

 

[Aelara]

Been using VS 2005 for a while and been looking for an alternative. Thought I'd give another vendor a go. What about VMWare Server(free). Would it give me the reliability and performance required in a medium sized business? If not the free edition what would I be looking to get?

I also have an 8 core Mac pro runing the new Parallels Server Virtualisation with mixed results. So, VMWare a contender or should I give up he ghost?

Thanks, Aelara.

 

[LWComputingMVP]

VMWare server (free) is only marginally better than Virtual Server... migrating at this point to VMWare Server (Free) would make little sense in my opinion. I would wait for Hyper-V and migrate to that... According to UNVERIFIED reports, Hyper-V can perform as much as 20% faster than VMWare's ESX server (currently what most people consider the best VM solution).

-Lee

Those who ask why, learn

http://www.lwcomputing.com

 

[58sniper]

Keep an eye on what products are supported on each, as well. Exchange isn't supported on VMWare (and most don't recommend virtualizing it).

Pat Richard
Microsoft Exchange MVP
Contributing author Microsoft Exchange Server 2007: The Complete Reference