Programming Tutorials

VMware

Microsoft

Xen

Product URL

VMware.com

Microsoft.com/virtual server

Xensource.com

Free server product

VMware Server

Virtual Server 2005 R2, HyperV Win Server 2008 64 bit

XenServer Express, (Enterprise 30 day eval.)

Paid server products

Infrastructure v3.5 (Starter, Standard, and Enterprise)

None

XenServer Standard, Enterprise, and Platinum Editions

Pricing range paid product

$1640 for two CPUs, includes 1 yr. support contract

Free or included in Windows Server 2008 (64 bit)

$600 - $5000 plus support contract

Host OS (if any)

Server: Windows Server 2003, various Linux Infra v3: bare metal

Windows Server 2003 R2, 2008; XP Pro SP2 or Vista for testing purposes only

Bare metal

Management tools

Lifecycle Manager, VMotion, Storage Vmotion

System Center VM Manager

XenCenter Management Console

Embedded hypervisor product

ESXi supports both AMD and Intel chipsets

None*

Yes

Advantages

· Over 700 pre-built appliances

· Widest selection of guest OS support

· Wizards galore for install aids

· Can run on any IE browser with Internet access

· Less expensive option

· Easy cloning of VM images

· Familiar UI

· Open source solution that doesn't require any host OS

· Lower cost

Disadvantages

Confusing array of pricing and configuration options (2 CPU minimum pricing)

Limited pre-built VHD appliances and just of MS server products

Limited Windows guest OS support