A virtualization software vendor just made consolidation easier with the introduction of technology that automates the migration of data, applications and operating systems.

Called PlateSpin PowerConvert, the software allows IT to migrate data among physical servers, virtual machines or image archives in different combinations. It can be used to consolidate servers or for disaster recovery, provisioning or migrations to new hardware.

PowerConvert works for Intel-based servers and allows IT managers to adapt their operations to meet service levels. It is available in three configurations - Universal, Consolidation and Recovery.

PowerConvert Universal can be used for consolidation, disaster recovery, migrations, provisioning and data center optimization.

The Consolidation configuration is designed for users that have VMware’s or Microsoft’s virtualization products. It allows data to be migrated between servers. Typically, server environments need to be manually rebuilt during server consolidation. PowerConvert lets users create and configure new physical servers or drag and drop existing virtual images to a new server.
 
The Recovery configuration works with Acronis’ True Image, Symantec’s LiveState, Ghost, Veritas Backup and NSI’s Double Take to allow automated recovery to a server.

PlateSpin PowerConvert is licensed by the number of migrations performed and the number of servers it will be used on, starting at $2,000 for 10 migrations.

The two-year-old company is only one of the vendors interested in virtualization - others include Microsoft, VMware, LeoStream and Softricity.

The virtualization market is growing http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/servers/2005/0704server1.html as users want to consolidate their servers. According to Gartner Analyst Jeffrey Hewitt, it will see double-digit growth.