Virtualization.com

News and insights from the vibrant world of virtualization and cloud computing

Robin Wauters

Surgient Previews New Private Cloud Management Dashboard

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Today at the International Cloud Conference & Expo, Surgient, the leader in private cloud automation software for the enterprise, announced a preview of its new Enterprise Cloud Dashboard, which for the first time gives cloud administrators immediate, comprehensive insight into the infrastructure, services, and users active in the private cloud.

No longer is capacity management a static, backward-looking activity that relies on estimations to predict future resource needs. With Surgient, private cloud administrators graphically and dynamically manage cloud capacity in real time to ensure that resources, such as virtual machines (VMs) and hardware capacity, are in line with usage demands. Additionally, the platform’s unique capacity management technology allows administrators to see future resource reservations, giving them an exact, reliable picture of how and when the infrastructure will be used over time. Key capabilities of the platform and new dashboard include:

  • Real-Time Cloud Insight – graphical view of cloud infrastructure enables administrators to easily manage live services and capacity.
  • Precise Future Capacity Planning – accurate, reservation-based capacity planning technology enables administrators to use live and future service data to precisely plan for capacity adjustments.
  • Self-Service-Enabled VM Migration – new graphical VM migration interface enables administrators to safely evaluate and act on migration recommendations from industry performance management tools while maintaining the integrity of a true self-service cloud.

Quest Announces New vWorkspace Release

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Quest Software has announced a new release of vWorkspace, a single virtualization solution for application delivery and desktop deployments.

The new release includes major functionality enhancements including EOP Xtream to speed WAN performance, and integration with Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Remote Desktop Services to automate deployment and administration, and simplify use.

With the new, patent-pending EOP Xtream, Quest vWorkspace dramatically reduces the effects of network latency to deliver a smooth and enhanced user experience close to that of a physical PC across WAN and Internet/VPN connections. Developed in conjunction with a number of major enterprise customers, EOP Xtream delivers faster screen updates and smoother interaction on high latency connections. These improvements drive user acceptance and will accelerate adoption of desktop virtualization in enterprises, as well as DaaS from the cloud.

Quest vWorkspace provides a consolidated management experience in a single console for the many components in the Windows Server 2008 R2 Remote Desktop Services stack. The automation and advanced management functions in the latest release of vWorkspace make deployment of desktop virtualization on Windows Server easier and faster, and deliver greater reductions in the total cost of ownership (TCO). In particular, vWorkspace eases setup and use of the services provided in the Windows Server 2008 R2 operating system, including the Remote Desktop Connection Broker. Quest vWorkspace integrates with the Remote Desktop Connection Broker to publish applications and desktops from different host platforms, including the Hyper-V-based Remote Desktop Virtualization Host and the Remote Desktop Session Host, through interfaces including RemoteApp and Remote Desktop Web Access.

Quest vWorkspace automates and accelerates virtual desktop creation by rapidly cloning virtual hard disks using Hyper-V differencing disks in conjunction with System Center Virtual Machine Manager. Advanced load balancing of user connections between Hyper-V hosts delivers an improved user experience and optimizes server utilization.

Available now, the new Quest vWorkspace version 7.1 supports multiple centralized desktop platforms, including Microsoft Hyper-V-based virtual desktops, Remote Desktop Session hosts (formerly known as Terminal Servers) and physical/blade PCs.

vWorkspace securely and efficiently delivers advanced management capabilities including connection brokering, desktop provisioning and user experience optimizations, and provides support for Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 with Hyper-V.

i365 Debuts Cross-Platform, Cloud-Connected Data Protection Appliance Solution With Microsoft

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i365, a Seagate Company, has announced EVault for Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager, a collaboration with Microsoft that has resulted in the first and only heterogeneous disk-based data protection solution that allows IT managers to extend Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager (DPM) 2010 across non-Microsoft platforms and into the Cloud, using i365’s EVault data protection software and Cloud-Connected storage solutions infrastructure.

EVault for DPM on Dell hardware is scheduled to be available in June and can be ordered today through i365 and Microsoft channel partners.

In mixed IT environments with Microsoft operating systems and applications as well as data on other platforms, customers have been struggling to find the best way to protect all of their company-critical data with a single solution. Until now, no backup product offered DPM, with its protection for Microsoft servers, applications and desktops, combined with heterogeneous support for non-Microsoft platforms and the option to protect data in the Cloud. EVault for Data Protection Manager is the only product that can meet all of these needs.

EVault for DPM is an all-in-one backup and recovery appliance that combines DPM’s unified data protection for Microsoft Windows servers and applications with EVault’s robust protection for non-Microsoft platforms and cloud connectivity. With EVault for DPM, customers can send both their DPM and EVault-protected backup data to the i365 Cloud and get offsite disaster recovery protection quickly and economically. The optional Cloud-Connected storage service includes efficient and secure replication of the backup data over the Internet to the Cloud, and maintains backup copies of data in the i365 Cloud. The i365 Cloud is supported by geographically dispersed, SAS70 Type II-certified data centers, staffed by a team of experts and employing state-of-the-art encryption protocols, storage technologies, and redundancy practices to ensure ironclad protection of data.

Customers have several configurations to choose from — each with all the hardware, software and support they need. The hardware will be powered by Dell technology and will ship factory-installed with both DPM and EVault Software with a common user interface to help customers monitor their entire heterogeneous environment and initiate complex tasks with ease. It also includes helpful wizards that will guide customers through the setup process. EVault for DPM configurations will start at $9,995.

Extending Seagate’s long standing relationship with Dell, i365/Seagate is pleased to include in today’s news that EVault for DPM will be based on a solid foundation of Dell server and storage platforms. The appliance-based model makes it easy to purchase, deploy and manage i365 solutions with special bundling, streamlined licensing, and Dell support backing up i365’s customer support worldwide.

Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager is a member of the Microsoft System Center suite of management products, designed to help IT Professionals manage their Windows environment. DPM 2010 delivers unified data protection for Windows servers and clients as a best-of-breed backup and recovery solution from Microsoft, for Windows environments. DPM 2010 provides the best protection and most supportable restore scenarios for Windows environments to disk, tape and cloud — in a scalable, reliable, manageable and cost-effective way.

Extreme Networks Introduces Data Center Virtualization Lifecycle Management Solution

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Extreme Networks has announced its network-based dynamic data center virtualization lifecycle management solution that delivers unprecedented visibility, control and automation of Virtual Machines (VM) to the network administrator.

Extreme Networks is continuing its mission to simplify, scale and control data center network infrastructure with the introduction of Extreme Networks XNV, a powerful set of loadable software modules addressing VM lifecycle management for the ExtremeXOS modular operating system and its EPICenter network management suite. XNV is the first data center management solution to deliver dynamic virtualization management across the network, logically bringing VM lifecycle management to the network while boosting operational efficiency and security.

Traditionally, network administrators have had limited, if any tools for troubleshooting and managing VMs in the network. VMs are typically created, activated, moved around and de-activated dynamically through tools controlled by server administrators. Additionally, due to the ability of virtual machines to move across the data center dynamically, provisioning the network for VM security, as well as for application performance, poses a networking challenge due to the static nature of network policy enforcement.

In response to this challenge, Extreme Networks XNV VM lifecycle management provides network-level functionality, automation and capabilities for applying QoS, ACLs, bandwidth rate limiting, and counters and statistics to virtual machines, all in a dynamic and highly virtualized environment.

Extreme Networks XNV delivers complete lifecycle management capabilities, keeping the network in control as VMs move from their creation point to their end-of-life. Visibility is enhanced with added functionality providing detailed history, tracking and reporting of VMs as they dynamically move throughout the data center.

Control and Security for Virtualized Data Centers Key to Extreme Networks XNV is the adoption of Virtual Port Profiles (VPPs) that dynamically couple network-level profiles to VMs as they are created and move throughout the network. XNV also extends mature network security capabilities to the individual virtual machine level.

In addition, XNV delivers a powerful, centralized network-level inventory of all VMs, displaying their current locations within the network, down to the individual switch and port level, along with their roaming history for security, audit and compliance purposes. Through XNV, functionality such as time of day and network usage triggers and reporting, enhances security and performance in virtualized environments.

Operational Efficiency Data center management teams are concerned with the costs and time associated with operating and maintaining their network and virtualization platforms. Extreme Networks XNV significantly improves operational efficiency and helps reduce costs for customers by reducing configuration errors, enabling automation, and providing faster troubleshooting through integration with server virtualization technologies. Additionally, these attributes, in turn, reduce application downtime and improve service response times.

Extreme XNV is a significant component of Extreme Networks Four Pillar strategy addressing the evolution of the data center, a strategy that enables networks to migrate from physical to virtual to cloud network environments. Extreme Networks integrates virtualization with the network by leveraging its single modular OS, ExtremeXOS, and comprehensive automation and customization capabilities, along with EPICenter, its network management platform.

Extreme Networks XNV software modules have a targeted release of the third quarter with a beginning list US price of $3,000 for 20 nodes.

Parallels Integrates Google Services for Websites With Plesk Panel 9.5

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Parallels, announced today it is helping hosting companies to provide valuable webmaster services to their customers and generate new revenue streams by integrating Google Services for Websites into Parallels Plesk Panel 9.5.

Parallels Plesk Panel 9.5, the number one control panel in the world, is the first commercial control panel that enables small businesses to easily take advantage of Google Services for Websites.

Google Services for Websites enable web site owners to easily install, activate and access their Google web tools through a central location on the hosting control panel. It allows small businesses to maximize the potential of their website through easy access to Google services such as AdSense, Custom Search, Site Search, Web Elements and Webmaster Tools.

Parallels Plesk Panel 9.5 is the world’s most feature-rich control panel with thousands of applications that deliver the easiest, most profitable and most complete service for virtual, dedicated, and shared hosting providers. The new integration of Google Services for Websites reduces the time website owners spend setting up and connecting to Google services.

This partnership between Google and Parallels allows small businesses and webmasters to achieve results with a few clicks. Google Webmaster Tools enables webmasters to see how sites perform, diagnose problems, and improve website visibility in Google search results. Webmasters can easily enable search on their own sites, embed interactive Web Elements on their pages, and use AdSense to monetize sites.

Other key features of Parallels Plesk Panel 9.5 include: PCI compliance, support of all virtualization platforms, free installation, migration and support for all customers, free Parallels Billing 1000 and free Parallels Sitebuilder 100 when purchased with Parallels Plesk Panel 9.5 Unlimited version.

Raxco Software Releases PerfectDisk 11

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Raxco Software today announced its PerfectDisk 11 Virtual Solutions plus Service Pack 1 for the PerfectDisk Client Solutions, the latest version of its afamily of performance and storage management solutions for enterprises, small business and home offices.

The PerfectDisk 11 Virtual Solutions include patent-pending Virtual Aware technology that boosts virtualization performance for vSphere/ESX, Hyper-V and VMware Workstation environments while eliminating resource contention between the host and guest systems. The following PerfectDisk 11 products are immediately available:

· PerfectDisk 11 vSphere Bundle
· PerfectDisk 11 Hyper-V Bundle
· PerfectDisk 11 VMware Workstation Bundle.

The PerfectDisk 11 Virtual Solutions product line includes several usability enhancements along with the PerfectDisk 11 Enterprise Console, making it easier than ever for IT managers and developers to improve the performance of their virtual environments. The PerfectDisk 11 Hyper-V Bundle has been enhanced to integrate seamlessly with Live migration.

The PerfectDisk 11 Virtual Solutions product line is available immediately via the PerfectDisk web site at www.perfectdisk.com as well as favorite resellers everywhere. Free, fully functional 30-day trials are also available. PerfectDisk 11 vSphere Bundle and Hyper-V Bundle pricing starts at $499.99 per host, with unlimited guests allowed. The PerfectDisk 11 VMware Workstation Bundle pricing starts at $199.99 per host.