VMware Server Goes Free, but Not Open

Published: Feb 6, 2006
Updated: Feb 2, 2021
1 minute read
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As expected, VMware Inc. announced on February 6th that it was releasing a no-cost version of its VMware Server line.

While not open-source, this entry-level virtualization server enables users to partition x86 and x86-64 Linux and Windows servers into multiple virtual machines (VMs). Server administrators can either roll their own servers or use such pre-built servers as IBM WSE (Workplace Services Express), MySQL, or Oracle 10G.

The company also claims that VMware Server can be used to host legacy OSes such as Windows NT Server 4.0 and Windows 2000 Server.

The server VMware is offering is actually a beta release of VMWare Server. This, in turn, is the successor program to the companys entry-level VM server, VMware GSX.

GSX has been listing for $1,694 for a dual-CPU license, and $3,388 for an unlimited processor license with a twelve-month support and subscription license. VMware Server, in contrast, costs nothing, but comes with no support, and can be used on systems with up to eight processors.

The final version of VMware Server is scheduled to appear in the first half of 2006. At that time, the firm will also offer paid support and subscription options.

VMware is positioning the new free release as a stepping stone to its VMware Virtual Infrastructure line of servers. These include ESX Server for data centers and VirtualCenter for centralized server management.

/zimages/2/28571.gifRead the full story on Linux-Watch.com: VMware Server Goes Free (but Not Open)

Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols

I'm editor-at-large for Ziff Davis Enterprise. That's a fancy title that means I write about whatever topic strikes my fancy or needs written about across the Ziff Davis Enterprise family of publications. You'll find most of my stories in Linux-Watch, DesktopLinux and eWEEK. Prior to becoming a technology journalist, I worked at NASA and the Department of Defense on numerous major technological projects.

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