A comparison of VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V and Xen.
By: Sachi
A comparison of VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V and Xen.
|
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 |
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