February 4th, 2007
VMware takes virtualization downstream
VMware will offer a software bundle to get small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) on the virtualization bandwagon. And it may not have to work that hard to get SMBs on board.
When 70 percent of the 1.2 million downloads of VMware Server are by SMBs you know there's some demand.
Ben Matheson, director of product management, at VMware says the company doesn't break out SMB revenue, but growth in that market is accelerating.
The bundle from VMware includes VirtualCenter for VMware Server and support for $1,500. VMware Server is available for free and anyone can download it. VMware's SMB bundle will enable companies to monitor virtual machines and setup alerts for computing thresholds, provision servers and cut hardware costs.
While large enterprises are using virtualization to better utilize computing power, the SMB game is more about cost savings and efficiency, says Matheson. A small business that runs on three servers could use virtualization to keep from buying a fourth or fifth one. Also virtualization enables SMBs to provision servers faster and when you have an IT staff of one or two people that matters.
As a percentage basis, those savings will matter a lot more to a smaller company.
Larry Dignan is Editor in Chief of ZDNet and Editorial Director of ZDNet sister site TechRepublic. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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