VMware lets companies build their own clouds

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 21 Apr 2009 at 16:41

VMware is to allow companies to build their own private cloud-computing networks with the launch of vSphere 4.

The new platform will let companies build "internal clouds" in their own datacentres, as well as take advantage of external cloud space offered by hosting companies.

VMware says that "over time" it will allow "dynamic federation" between internal and external clouds - essentially allowing companies to move virtual machines between in-house and external servers.

"VMware has delivered an impressive list of 'industry-firsts'," claims VMware's CEO, Paul Maritz, a former Microsoft executive.

"The first hypervisor, the first VMotion capability now synonymous with VMware, and the first platform for pooling servers, storage and network, allowing customers to decrease the capital and operating cost of computing by up to 60-70%. VMware vSphere 4 is the next evolution along this path of innovation."

The company claims the new software will place far fewer demands on hardware than its predecessor, with a 30% increase in application consolidation ratios, and a 50% saving on storage.

VMware will also offer guaranteed service levels on vSphere4.

vSphere is clearly a shot across the bows of Microsoft's own cloud OS, Azure, which was announced last year.

Azure remains in testing, however, while vSphere 4 will be made available in six editions in the next couple of months, with prices starting from $166 per processor.

For further details on VMware's cloud-computing strategy, read Jon Honeyball's Advanced Windows column in this month's PC Pro, on sale now.