Parallels, known for its virtualization solutions for both desktops and servers, has announced another option for creating virtual servers on Apple's Xserve. The recently announced Parallels Server for Mac Bare Metal Edition lets admins create Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux virtual servers without the overhead of running Mac OS X Server as a host OS.Parallels Server for Mac Bare Metal Edition utilizes the comany's own hypervisor to provide both hardware virtualization for creating independent virtual machines running either Mac OS X Server, Windows, or Linux, as well as OS virtualization for running Linux-based Virtuozzo containers. An included virtual machine migration tool makes it easy to move virtual machines from one physical machine to another, or encapsulate entire environments from a physical server into a virtual machine. Configuration templates enable creating new virtual servers with a just a few mouse clicks.
"The 33 percent year-on-year increase in sales of Macintosh computers reported by Apple this quarter indicates a growing interest in Apple hardware," Parallels CEO Serguei Beloussov said in a statement. Beloussov added that the product allows IT admins to capitalize on Mac OS X server while also having the flexibility to run Windows and Linux workloads.
One interesting application of the Bare Metal Edition is that it enables Web hosting companies to offer Mac OS X Server-based virtual private servers. VPSs are usually one option in between an expensive dedicated server and the more common, inexpensive shared Web hosting accounts. Hosting company Go Daddy announced yesterday during Parallels Summit 2010 conference that it will begin offering Mac OS X Server VPS service to its customers using Bare Metal Edition.
Parallels Server for Mac Bare Metal Edition can run on any Intel-based Mac that supports VT-x, though it is recommended for Xserves or Mac Pros for the maximum benefit. If you have an Xserve or Mac Pro that you've been considering targeting for virtualization, you can download a free trial version today. Standard licensing, which includes Parallels Virtual Automation and one year of Gold support, costs $1,999.
Source: Arstechnica.com
