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ZenSource vs VMWare

I currently run three servers all that have Windows 2000 sp4 and would like to consolodate them onto one, I am looking for to VMWare and ZenSource. Which is better? And is there an easy way to document server preformance such as average cpu usage and memory usage?

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65td

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JjcampNR

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Duncan Meyers

The one big thing that makes Xen unsuitable in a Windows production environment is that you have to update the Windows kernel for it to run under Xen - something that Microsoft won't support. This isn't as much of an issue for Linux hosts. VMware VM's are fully encapsulated - that is; no modification to the host OS is required to make it work in a virtual environment.

Xen is getting there fast - but, right now, it is at least two years behind ESX Server in terms of functionality and stability.

65td

I believe with the latest release of Xen modifying the Windows kernel is no longer necessary.

cdmt00

ASKER

Are you saying that if I was running xen on top of windows I would have to fiddle with the kernel or if I wanted to run Windows on top of xen, because there website says that they support windows.

Duncan Meyers

Yes, Xen supports Windows, but to get best performance, you need to modify the Windows kernel as Xen uses paravirtualisation rather than a fully encapsulated model. They do now, however, allow you to install Windows without making kernel modifications, although I have heard mixed reports as to how effective it is.

Right now, the only product that is data centre ready is VMware ESX Server. Xen is not far away - give it 12 to 18 months and it should be OK. Viridian is a different matter altogether as it is mostly vapourware right now.