Office applications Toolkit

VMware completes storage code testing

Ed Frauenheim CNET News.com

Published: 09 Dec 2003 14:30 GMT

VMware, which makes software designed to make server computers more efficient, says its code is compatible with data storage gear from several companies.

On Monday, the company said its ESX Server software had successfully completed testing with EMC, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, Hitachi Data Systems, Hewlett-Packard, IBM and Network Appliance.

ESX Server is "virtualisation" software, which enables organisations to run multiple operating systems and applications on the same computer at the same time. VMware also makes software that lets customers shift a "virtual machine" from one physical computer to another while the application is still running.

Michael Mullany, VMware's vice president of marketing, said the company's server virtualisation products complement offerings from other companies that aim to create a single pool of storage resources.

"Now, your software can move around the datacentre, and your data can move around your datacentre," he said.

The ability to manage multiple servers and storage devices in such a fashion is seen as a stepping stone on the path to utility computing -- the concept of computing power as a service organisations use and pay for as needed.

Technology industry giants Sun Microsystems, HP and IBM are also working on virtualisation technologies.

VMware said its storage compatibility testing was specifically for storage area network (SAN) gear. SANs are networks for more efficient use and easier management of data storage devices.

Mullany said the testing certifications should make it easier for VMware and the storage equipment companies to coordinate technical support services for customers.

At some point, VMware may seek to certify its VMotion software with storage companies, Mullany said. VMotion is designed to move a "virtual machine" to a different physical server connected to the same SAN without service interruption.

Did you find this article useful?
41 out of 111 people found this useful

More In Office applications

Company/Topic Alerts

Create a new alert from the list below:

Related Jobs

S&P (Security) IT Specialist

Ideally candidates will have: - Outstanding client, people management and coaching skills - Enthusiasm and commitment to delivering quality results ...

PRE-SALES TECHNICAL CONSULTANT - (VMWare)- UXBRIDGE (50k)

VMWare, virtualisation specialist required to join a rapidly expanding Consultancy with a amazing opportunities for progression and training. ...

Internet Operations Analysts

We aim to be THE expert across government, advising on how to harness the technology, and using it in turn to produce intelligence on high ...

Featured Talkback

Why do so many (virtually all) software packages think that they are so important that they have to be started automatically every time the computer boots? What is the largest number of "speed access", "update check", "camera download" and whatever other background programs you have ever seen running? Of those, how many did you really need?