Virtualization News Desk

The Value Proposition of Cloud Computing

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:15:00 EST

What are the benefits from using Cloud Computing services or platforms? Cost efficiency, shorter innovation cycles and scalability are frequently mentioned promises. However, the value proposition of Cloud Computing obviously depends on the corresponding business scenario. You cannot properly value the benefits from using Cloud Computing services unless you know and understand the relevant parameters of your project.

Tech Data U.S. Offers VARs Storage Virtualization Software from DataCore

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST

The Advanced Infrastructure Solutions (AIS) Division of Tech Data Corporation announced a partnership with DataCore Software to help value-added resellers (VARs) deploy the latest storage virtualization solutions. Through AIS, VARs have access to a broad array of DataCore software solutions that enable users to manage, provision and allocate disk space on all storage devices attached to their storage area network (SAN).

rPath and WANdisco to Create Cloud-Ready Software

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST

rPath and WANdisco today announced that WANdisco has selected the rPath rBuilder and rPath Lifecycle Management Platform to build and maintain its Subversion MultiSite solution as a manageable set of application images for delivery in virtualized and cloud-based environments. rPath seeks to reduce the cost and complexity of application delivery, and WANdisco is a provider of distributed software development solutions. As a result of this partnership, WANdisco’s Subversion MultiSite solution will be available as a virtual appliance.

Callfinity to Provide Cloud-Based Services for 2010 U.S. Census

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST

Callfinity has announced that they have been awarded a contract by Harris Corporation to provide contact center systems and hosted services in support of the 2010 Decennial Census. Callfinity's ContextIP contact center suite will be provided on a hosted basis as part of the Census Field Data Collection Automation (FDCA) program. Callfinity will be providing a cloud-based, hosted Automatic Call Distributor (ACD) and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system for Census personnel in support of the FDCA program. Enumerators at local census offices will connect, through Callfinity's systems, to local census offices, national overflow

IBM to Provide Virtualization Technology to Grundfos

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST

IBM and Grundfos, a pump manufacturer, have announced an agreement for IBM to provide servers and storage infrastructure for Grundfos's two data centers in Denmark, and to deliver a new infrastructure for Grundfos’ SAP environment. With this new agreement, Grundfos has selected IBM’s Power Systems servers and IBM System Storage DS8300 and TS3500 disk and tape systems to operate their SAP environment. The solution covers capacity for operating SAP for more than 8,000 users worldwide and more than 70 SAP systems. The existing non-IBM storage and tape systems are being phased out.

CEO of GoGrid & ServePath to Present at SYS-CON's 5th International Virtualization Conference & Expo in NYC

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 07:20:00 EST

John Keagy, CEO of GoGrid & ServePath, will be presenting at SYS-CON's 5th International Virtualization Conference & Expo being held in New York City this coming March 30-April 1, 2009. Keagy, an Internet infrastructure pioneer having built and sold several successful Internet service providers since 1991, will in a jointly presented session be addressing the legal, business and marketing issues of Service Level Agreements.

New Crucial Memory Modules Available for Latest Intel Server Platforms

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 07:00:00 EST

Lexar Media announced the immediate availability of Crucial DDR3-1066 (PC3-8500) and DDR3-1333 (PC3-10600) three channel DDR3 RDIMM memory kits for next-generation server technology from Intel, based on the CoreTM i7 processors. Claiming faster memory speeds and higher memory densities for memory-intensive server applications such as virtualization, database servers, and file and applications servers, Lexar Media’s Crucial DDR3-1333 RDIMM modules are available in 3GB, 6GB, and 12GB three channel kits, while Crucial DDR3-1066 RDIMM modules are available in up to 24GB three channel kits.

Check Point Positioned in Magic Quadrant

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 07:00:00 EST

Since their inception of stateful-inspection technology, Check Point has continued development with Application Intelligence, Malicious Code Protection, and modular security management plug-in architecture. Check Point's firewall security products are complemented by unified threat management, providing a variety of security applications including IPSec and SSL VPN remote access, anti-virus, anti-spam and web filtering. Today, Check Point's security gateways offer security features such as integrated intrusion prevention, virtualization, and high performance acceleration and high availability for the largest enterprises and data centers.

EMC to Cut 2,400 Jobs

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 07:00:00 EST

Bracing for a worsening downturn, EMC late Wednesday said it’s going to can 2,400 of its people, roughly 7% of its workforce, to save about $350 million this year and $500 million next year. The move does not impact VMware, which EMC owns the lion’s share of. The news came ahead of EMC’s Q4 financial statement due on January 27 when it expects to post record revenues of ~$4 billion, up about 8% sequentially and 4% year-over-year. Because of a 10-cent-a-share restructuring charge stemming from the layoffs, EMC’s GAAP earnings will only amount to 13 or 14 cents. Absent the charge, they’d work out to 23 or 24 cents a share and absent stock-based compensation and intangible asset amortization they’d be 30 or 31 cents a share.

SaaS Provider Binfire Offers Free File Sharing Software

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 07:00:00 EST

Binfire, a new entry into SaaS market, has announced the release of the beta version of Binfire.com, a comprehensive suite of online software tools for file sharing, file management and group collaboration using WEB 2.0 features. Binfire.com offers online office tools for individuals and SMBs. A more expanded service for SMB's will be offered in the near future. Users visiting binfire.com can send files as large as 100MB to their family & friends. Every user receives free unlimited storage space when they become a member of binfire.com and there is no

Meru Networks Unveils New Security Gateway for Government Wireless LANs

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:30:00 EST

Meru Networks has introduced a security gateway appliance designed to meet the exacting demands of FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standard) 140-2 Level 3 security for U.S. and Canadian government agencies and other security-conscious organizations as they broadly adopt wireless LANs. The Meru SG1000 Security Gateway has been formally recommended for validation at FIPS 140-2 Level 3, the highest security level thus far sought by any WLAN vendor, providing physical tamper-proof security mechanisms, including a hard epoxy enclosure, as well as strong identity-based authentication.

Neocleus Co-Founder & CTO to Present at SYS-CON's 5th International Virtualization Conference & Expo in NYC

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:20:00 EST

Etay Bogner, CTO and Co-Founder of Neocleus, will be presenting at SYS-CON's 5th International Virtualization Conference & Expo being held in New York City this coming March 30-April 1, 2009. Bogner, who is responsible for executing against the company's product vision and for setting the technology vision, will be discussing how client-hosted virtualization offers a different approach to controlling the corporate image without compromising security, ultimately reducing TCO of corporate-owned desktops and laptops.

CTERA Networks Introduces Cloud Attached Storage

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:30:00 EST

CTERA Networks has introduced its Cloud Attached Storage technology. By bundling Network Attached Storage and cloud storage services into a single appliance, the new technology marries the performance and simplicity of a local NAS device with the scalability and reliability of cloud storage to enable service providers to launch new consumer and small business services.CTERA also announced that it has secured first-round venture financing from Benchmark Capital. CTERA is unveiling its smallest form factor appliance, the CloudPlug: a tiny form-factor, plug-top computing device that transforms any external USB hard drive into a NAS device with automatic backup. The contents of any attached USB drive are automatically backed up online without the need for any user intervention or PC client software.

Symantec VP to Present at SYS-CON's 5th International Virtualization Conference & Expo in NYC

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:05:00 EST

Ken Berryman, Symantec's Vice President of Endpoint Virtualization, will be presenting at SYS-CON's 5th International Virtualization Conference & Expo being held in New York City this coming March 30-April 1, 2009. Berryman, who is responsible for driving Symantec’s overall endpoint virtualization business, will be giving delegates his perspective on how virtualization can improve management, increase security, and deliver greater performance and flexibility.

Stratus Telecommunications Acquires Stratus Technologies’ ENTICE Telecommunications Business

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:00:00 EST

Stratus Telecommunications announced that it has acquired the ENTICE telecommunications business from Stratus Technologies of Maynard, Massachusetts. The transaction closed on January 2, 2009. Financial terms were not disclosed. The acquisition encompasses the entire Stratus Technologies team associated with the acquired products and business, including the ENTICE solutions portfolio that was acquired by Stratus Technologies with the purchase of Emergent Network Solutions in August 2006.

Recessionary Recitations: Reducing the Cost and Complexity of Application Delivery

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:00:00 EST

Let’s face it - 2008 was a real slog. Even the most wide-eyed optimist would agree that this was one year whose end was long overdue. Of course, ringing in the New Year doesn’t somehow wash away what has become a fairly deep recession, but it does symbolize the fresh start that I think we’re all looking for right about now. Doom and gloom may be the currency of trade these days, but I would argue that there are important lessons to be learned from this and any recession.

Embotics CEO to Present at SYS-CON's 5th International Virtualization Conference in NYC

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:00:00 EST

Jay Litkey, CEO of Embotics Corporation, will be presenting at SYS-CON's 5th International Virtualization Conference & Expo in New York City this coming March 30-April 1, 2009. Litkey, who before starting Embotics founded Symbium, a venture capital funded company focused on Autonomic Computing and the automated management of IT infrastructure, will be looking at compliance issues in what he calls The New Age of Virtualization.

The Networking Industry's Biggest Hope: Dynamic Infrastructure

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 04:45:00 EST

The "speeds and feeds" mantra of the networking industry is about to be replaced by a new "dynamic infrastructure" mantra; and Cisco, Infoblox, and F5 Networks are taking the lead in shaping this new vision of a more flexible, more available, and easier to manage network. New enterprise initiatives, from RFID/wireless to virtualization and even cloud computing, will require more network innovation as network infrastructure supports more fluid systems and endpoints, more complexity, and yet increasingly larger portions of business operations.

Cloud Computing Conference & Expo Call For Papers Deadline January 31, 2009

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 04:00:00 EST

SYS-CON Events, producer of the 2nd International Cloud Computing Conference & Expo, to be held March 30-April 1, 2009, in New York City, announces that the submissions deadline for its Call for Papers is January 31st, 2009. Suitable topics include all aspects of providing or using massively scalable IT-related capabilities as a service using Internet technologies.

EMC Expands Virtualization Portfolio with New VMware Services

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:30:00 EST

EMC announced it is a gold-level VMware Authorized Consultant (VAC), expanding its global alliance with VMware to help enterprise customers around the world accelerate their business by virtualizing their information infrastructures and data centers. EMC’s Global Services helps customers by extending virtual infrastructure into a consistent enterprise-wide strategy.

VMware Helps TradeBeam Balance Applications

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:15:00 EST

VMware announced that TradeBeam has selected the VMware platform, including VMware Infrastructure 3 and VMware Lab Manager, as the foundation for its development and production IT environments. TradeBeam’s software-as-a-service (SaaS) model provides over 6,000 organizations with import and export compliance, inventory management, shipment tracking, supply-chain event management, and global trade finance solutions from four international datacenters housing more than 1,000 physical servers.

Certeon's Co-Founder to Present at SYS-CON's 5th International Virtualization Conference in NYC

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:30:00 EST

Shawn Cooney, Co-Founder and Director of Research at Certeon, will be presenting at SYS-CON's 5th International Virtualization Conference & Expo in New York City this coming March 30-April 1, 2009. Cooney, who has over 25 years experience in information and network security, will be speaking about how the benefits of virtualization can now be applied to transform branch and remote office efficiency and productivity. He will also be pinpointing for delegates where new opportunities lie for realizing a truly dynamic enterprise.

Sybase's Peter Thawley to Present at SYS-CON's 5th International Virtualization Conference & Expo

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:30:00 EST

Peter Thawley, Senior Director & Architect at Sybase, will be presenting at SYS-CON's 5th International Virtualization Conference & Expo in New York City this coming March 30-April 1. Thawley, a member of Sybase’s CTO Group where he brings over 22 years of experience in software architecture & engineering, will be covering technical details behind the virtualization techniques utilized in large Enterprise database systems which go beyond what is available through today's virtual machine technologies.

Sun Snaps Up Belgian Cloud Computing Company

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:15:00 EST

"Q-layer's technology and expertise will enhance Sun's offerings, simplifying cloud management and speeding application deployment," said Sun's SVP of Cloud Computing and chief sustainability officer, David Douglas, as the company today announced that it has acquired Q-layer, a cloud computing company that automates the deployment and management of both public and private clouds.

Hostway Launches Cloud Computing Service FlexCloud

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST

Hostway Corporation has launched its cloud computing infrastructure FlexCloud, adding cloud computing functionality to all its hosting packages. The new service includes automated allocation of CPU, memory, storage and bandwidth for individual websites. The company states that the first to benefit will be its North American customers' websites, which will be hosted on the new cloud computing infrastructure. All new customers' websites will also be placed on FlexCloud. It further states that FlexCloud includes automated allocation of CPU, memory, storage and bandwidth for individu

Cloud Computing, Virtualization and Tightened Belts: i-Technology Predictions for 2009

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:10:00 EST

Every year SYS-CON polls the Internet technologies community and asks them to share their thoughts on what's around the corner in the world of i-Technology and Web-based enterprise. The main themes were very clear. Cassatt Corporation's CEO Bill Coleman, for example - famous in a former life for being the 'B' in BEA Systems - is adamant that 2009 is going to be The Year of Cloud.

Great Entrepreneurs Build Value and Market-Share in Down Markets

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 06:55:00 EST

Here, SYS-CON's Web 2.0 Journal has asked a selection of the industry's brightest minds what their own advice would be in these troubled times, and assembled it into a ten-point guide for software vendors, entrepreneurs, and startups to riding out a recession.

VMware Fights Fire with Fire

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:55:00 EST

VMware has imported another ex-Microsoft veteran to fight Microsoft, its worst enemy. This time it’s Tod Nielsen plucked out of Borland, where he’s been CEO for the last three years, to be VMware’s chief operating officer, a specially created job that reports to fellow Microsoft veteran, VMware CEO Paul Maritz.

Cloud Computing in China: Chinese To Get E-Commerce Clouds

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:05:00 EST

Alisoft, the software subsidiary of Alibaba.com, the big Chinese B2B e-commerce portal that Yahoo owns a piece of, has cut a strategic cooperation deal with the municipal government of Nanjing to build China’s first “e-commerce cloud computing center.” It is expected to cost roughly $15 million once construction starts this year.

Ingres Using Salesforce CRM to Extend Cloud Computing

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:00:00 EST

Salesforce.com has announced that Ingres Corporation is using Salesforce CRM to support its global business growth. Following a two week deployment, Ingres integrated Salesforce CRM with the Intacct financial management system from the Force.com AppExchange. Salesforce.com partner Demand Solutions Group helped Ingres with its Salesforce CRM deployment and customization. Ingres is deploying Intacct, Xactly and Vtrenz via the Force.com AppExchange to extend cloud computing throughout the enterprise.

Micro Focus Completes Acquisition of Relativity Technologies

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:30:00 EST

Micro Focus International announced that it has completed the acquisition of Relativity Technologies. Completion of the transaction follows a meeting of Relativity Technologies shareholders held on 30 December 2008 at which its shareholders accepted the offer. As previously announced by Micro Focus, it is intended that the Relativity Technologies business will now be fully integrated into the Micro Focus Group. On December 8, 2008, Micro Focus announced their agreed offer to acquire Relativity Technologies for approximately US $9.7 million in cash.

Is The Cloud the Ultimate Form of Globalization?

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:30:00 EST

If your data is on a European server, and you’re in the US, which country's laws does your data and activities fall under? The Economist addressed these and other questions in a Fall 2008 report on cloud computing, which they described as “the ultimate form of globalization.”

Tod Nielsen Appointed COO of VMware

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:45:00 EST

“In this newly created role," said VMware’s President and CEO, Paul Maritz, "Tod brings unique skills and capabilities that will help us improve our operational focus and enhance our execution across all areas of the business." He made the comment as VMware announced that Tod Nielsen had joined the company and been appointed to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer. Nielsen will report directly to President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Maritz.

Solving the Problem of Cloud Interoperability

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST

In the next few years the a key opportunity for the emerging cloud industry will be on defining a federated cloud ecosystem by connecting multiple cloud computing providers using an agreeing upon standard or interface. There are a number of organizations looking into solving the problem of cloud federation.

The Future of Cloud Computing

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:00:00 EST

As new offerings like Amazon's CloudFront, Microsoft's Azure, and VMware's vCloud are rolled out, the worldwide cloud computing momentum continues to grow. Here, SYS-CON's Cloud Computing Journal surveys a globe-girdling network of leading infrastructure experts, IT industry executives and technology commentators for their views on The Shape of Cloud Computing To Come.

Virtualized and Physical Infrastructures

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:15:00 EST

Instead of creating a less complex environment, in many cases virtualization has made it more complex. Many business- and mission-critical applications are just not right for a hypervisor. Other software applications won't even support hypervisors even today.

Cloud Computing Is Coming of Age

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST

SYS-CON's Cloud Computing Journal seeks to boost your understanding of Cloud Computing concepts and to bring you the latest news, views, and developments - but we couldn't do so without our amazing high-energy pool of contributors, including many of the hard-working executives driving some of today's most successful Cloud strategies, technologies and techniques.

How to Address IT Needs in Today's Economy Through Virtualization

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 07:15:00 EST

The current economic crisis is affecting how organizations look at their IT. Existing systems are being stretched to increase their value, while investment in new systems is under greater scrutiny than ever before. For the channel, customers are demanding more from their spending. While this is putting some "nice-to-have" projects in jeopardy, money is still available in IT budgets for initiatives that can deliver real results both now and in the future.

Wipro Develops Integrated Police Information System Using SOA

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:30:00 EST

Wipro Infotech has developed an integrated Police Information System, an end-to-end online application software which covers activities related to the day-to-day functioning of police departments, including the back-end administrative processes of general administration, finance and stores. The processes have been automated to ease the tasks of administration and record keeping, thereby bringing in operational efficiency throughout the police department.

DataCore SMB SAN Software Solutions for Server Virtualization Environments

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:00:00 EST

DataCore Software has announced an expanded line of SAN software starter packages priced for small-to-midsize businesses (SMBs). The high cost and complexity of traditional SAN storage required to support virtual servers and desktops typically puts it out of reach for many SMBs. DataCore’s new business continuity solutions provide true auto failover/failback high-availability and fault tolerance. These new packages provide automated storage protection to ensure business uptime, while also significantly lowering the cost and complexity barriers of SAN storage for Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix, Virtual Iron, Parallels, VMware and other server and desktop virtualization environments. The new software packages, with entry prices starting at under $2,000 per server, include thin provisioning, data migration technology, storage performance caching software