VMware Steps Up Attacks on Microsoft Virtualization

Microsoft has posted a free, questionnaire-based TCO/ROI calculator on its web site. It's not impressing VMware.

Tim Stephan, on VMware's corporate blog, writes:

Other than that, how did he like it?

He gets specific, saying among other things: "The tool assumes the following pricing for Windows Server 2008 Editions: $719 for Standard, $2334 for Enterprise, and $2381 for Datacenter. That doesn't match up to the list pricing that Microsoft publishes on its website, so the prices must be some sort of volume/discounted pricing."

One gets the feeling that we'll soon know everything we always wanted to know but were afraid to ask about Microsoft server licensing, courtesy of VMware. Microsoft's Hyper-V appears to be still on track for a formal launch at some point this summer. Maybe then VMware will take the gloves off. . .

Meanwhile, let's not forget Citrix. That company is set to hold its partner event this week, and don't be surprised if there are a fast and furious number of virtualization announcements out of them. For more on Citrix' plans, you can read Samara Lynn's recent CRN piece explaining the company's technology strategy.