Tech Shout!

On Wednesday, VMware announced the final version of its VMware Server virtualization product, the descendant of GSX Server.

The company hopes that by giving away its entry-level product, it will drive users to upgrade to its for-pay ESX Server, as well as place the company in the numero uno spot in virtualization technology. While VMware Server will require a “host” operating system in order to use its features, ESX requires no host.

Just like the beta release in February, VMware is making the software available free of charge, much like Microsoft has done with Virtual Server 2005 R2.

VMware Server allows users to provision a single physical server into multiple virtual machines. With computing power continuing to go far beyond operating system requirements, virtualization is becoming a means for businesses to become more worthy.

Brian Byun, vice president of products and alliances at VMware said, “VMware Server offers unparalleled operating system support, ease of use, manageability with VMware VirtualCenter and support from the industry’s most experienced support organization for virtualization.” He added, “VMware delivers the industry’s broadest range of server-based virtualization products. Customers can choose one compatible set of products to have every environment and virtualization use case covered, starting from free single-server virtualization with VMware Server, all the way to full enterprise-wide infrastructure farms managed, automated and optimized as a shared utility with VMware Infrastructure.”

The new software can be downloaded absolutely free from VMware’s website. Support for VMware server runs $350 USD for a one-year subscription per two processors for Gold level, and $450 USD for Platinum level. Businesses can also buy VMware VirtualCenter for $600 USD per two processors.