In case you’ve been asleep for the past month, you’re probably aware that there has been quite a bit of publicity regarding Microsoft’s virtualisation strategy coming out of TechEd ITForum 2007. Most notably would have to be the launch of System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM). This product is designed to simplify the creation, deployment and management of virtual environments. Finally, Microsoft has a competitive solution that may, just may mind you, be compelling enough to sway customers from VMWare’s ESX Server.
While VMWare still has a competitive advantage in its vMotion technology, the simplified management experience of SCVMM, particularly when coupled with other System Center technologies, may be good enough for the major of customers seeking to mature their IT infrastructure posture through virtualisation. Then, add into the fold Microsoft’s acquisition of SoftGrid, the forthcoming Hyper-V technology in Windows Server 2008 and a matured Virtual Server product and what you have is a very strong competitor to VMWare.
Is it possible that VMWare rose to the top so quickly and easily that they’ve spent the past several years enjoying the fruits of their labours instead of continuing to pull further and further away from the pack? Could VMWare become the next Novell and slowly drift off into the land of the obsolete?
Only time will tell. But, if I’m right, then I’ll say you heard it here first. If I’m wrong, then I can’t wait to see what unfolds next in this highly competitive space.
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