* Microsoft vs. VMware spat; specs of IBM’s System p 560Q
There is no question that to get the most out of your infrastructure you should be virtualizing your x86 systems. The technology that VMware introduced in the late 1990s has definitely hit the mainstream. But like any technology, there can be bumps along the way.
Late last month, I put together a story that outlined some stumbling blocks that organizations could face as they transition to virtual environments. Check out the story here, then let me know what you’ve experienced as you’ve transitioned your x86 servers to virtual workhorses. Have you hit some bumps or has it been smooth sailing?
At the same time, check out Blue Lane’s blog about how virtualization is changing the rules when it comes to IT security. I think we’ll start seeing a lot more blogs like this pop up as x86 server virtualization takes off this year. If you’ve run across any good blogs, please let me know.
And if you still have any doubts that the virtualization market is set to explode, I think last week’s scuffle between VMware and Microsoft should put those doubts to rest. Nothing says a market is on fire better than a shouting match between industry big wigs. In this case, VMware is accusing Microsoft of trying to corral customers into using its virtualization software by limiting choice with licensing and technological constraints on its technology. Check out a nice summary of the issues by my colleague John Fontana here. You can read VMware’s white paper here.
VMware is the definite market leader when it comes to software for virtualizing x86 systems. But it obviously is looking over its shoulder. Why else would it take aim at a competitor that today doesn’t even come close to VMware’s market share? What do you think of the VMware-Microsoft brouhaha? Let me know, or jump in the debate here.
On another note: I promised a reader more details on IBM’s System p 560Q. As I mentioned in my newsletter discussing the new systems, the specs are here. And the people at IBM were nice enough to send me a whole presentation detailing the savings – in power, space, management and hardware reductions – as a result of consolidating Linux apps on the 560Q.
The reader wanted to know specifics about power and cooling advantages. This is what IBM has to say:
Eight racks of 320 Dell PowerEdge 860 servers with Intel dual-core processors and 4GB memory each consumes about 475,186 kilowatt hours of energy per year, while one rack with five 560Q 1.8-GHz servers with 96GB of memory each (onto which those 320 Dell workloads can be consolidated) consumes about 159,541 kilowatt hours per year.
So, IBM says the 560Q servers use about 66% less energy per year, saving about $28,400 per year (based on energy costs at about 9 cents per kilowatt hour).
And the hardware costs? “A rack of 560Q servers is $980K vs. 320 Dell PowerEdge 860 servers at $1,952K,” IBM says.
