RSSVMware to Give Away Server Software
By Ed Oswald | Published February 3, 2006, 11:16 AM
VMware, a company that specializes in products that allow users to run more than one operating system on their machines, is expected to announce next week that it will give away its GSX Server software for free. The company also offers ESX Server, however that will remain a for-pay product.
Users were previously able to purchase GSX Server for $1,400 USD for dual-processor and $2,800 USD for multi-processor machines. VMware ESX is more expensive based on the user's need, and can performed more advanced functions.
For example, GSX Server requires it be run under another operating system, such as Windows. However, the ESX Server can function on its own without an OS.
While some may question the company's move, VMware would likely benefit bringin in more users. Free access to the company's basic program would make it an attractive option for those looking for virtualization, and would likely put it at the forefront of an increasingly competitive market.
Virtualization software will become part of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Novell's Suse Linux Enterprise Server in an upcoming version of those products. Microsoft is also planning to add the technology to Longhorn Server as well.
Additionally, VMware could benefit from users wishing to upgrade to the more powerful ESX Server after trying out the free version of the GSX software.
CNET News.com first reported details of VMware's plans on Friday.
The free server is available in beta :
http://www.vmware.com/products/server/
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OMFG
This is AWESOME!
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Right now my mouth is actually hanging open...
WOW!
I've been messing with Xen anticipating taking it to production servers maybe next year, but now I have to re-think it...
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Why bother buying VMWare WOrkstation? use free GSX Server to create your images, and free VMWare Player to run them.
Surely this means VMware Workstation will also be free???
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GSX Server doesn't support many of the features of VMWare 5.5 (team support, multiple snapshots, etc). Features I use a lot. GSX is made for server use, not end-users.
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VMWare workstation is worth it's weight in gold.
I'll continue to pay for it.
Any day.
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Read the words again, and digest. The import bit. Use GSX to create the images, Player to play them...
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Not sure, but isn't VMPlayer somewhat feature limited?
I'm sure this'd work in some cases, but I'd still rather use WKS and be able to play around with the settings when need be.
Workstation is still the best, IMO.
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Why pay for it? Spend 2 hours at one of their conferences and snag one for free. :)
Got 5.5 that way.
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I did get one copy that way, but I have multiple licenses. ;-)
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Sweetness.
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