VM-Aware

This is not a big post, but more of a check it out post.

Here’s a picture of the main configuration screen of the now in beta ESX Server 3i:

Click the image for a full size version.

Everybody is well aware that PlateSpin makes some great products (PowerRecon, PowerConvert), but it sometimes seems difficult to justify the costs against free VMware alternatives (Capacity Planner, VMware Converter).

However, all it takes is a 15 minute demonstration of their products and it becomes immediately obvious why the money should be spent. (more…)

esXpress is not a new product to the market. I remember using this in the early days of ESX 2.5 and liking the product, but hating the interface.

Don’t get me wrong everything in the Linux based console worked and did everything that you wanted it to do, you just didn’t want anyone to come along and play, unless they knew exactly what they were doing.

However, they now have essentially created a virtual appliance and it runs within its own enclosed VM. I have always been a firm fan of backup specific machines, so this seemed ideal straight away. (more…)

SANs are moving forward at a rapid rate.

Most current SAN vendors do not have any sexy products, but they will soon have to start because there are some that do. (more…)

Just as most people suspected, HP have released a comparable product to IBM’s BladeCenter S product. (more…)

John Chambers is a bit of a full on guy and I would liken him to an intelligent car salesman, a very good car salesman, but a car salesman nonetheless.

He did deliver the most exciting and occasionally humorous keynote to date. It was very sales level orientated and not particularly technical so I wasn’t that interested until they showed vFrame in action. (more…)