VMware: Get the Facts - Not The Microsoft Hyper-Bole

This morning I came across very intersting page in a sea of pages on the VMware website.

VMware: Get the Facts - Not The Microsoft Hyper-Bole

The page is dedicated to solidifying VMware to its current and future customer base that it is still the proven leader and technology in the virtualization market space and cloud infrastructure in regards to its up and coming competitors, specifically Microsoft Hyper-V. 

When it comes to virtualization and cloud infrastructure, VMware’s competitors are playing catch-up, often making bold unsubstantiated claims. Check out the facts for yourself and learn how Microsoft’s marketing fluff falls short of reality. You will find that VMware remains the proven leader, providing customers higher value for their virtualization and cloud infrastructure investment.

The site lists Case Studies, Customer Stories, and a list of 5 facts as evidence to the "technology jury". Whether you are a soldier of VMware or Microsoft, it is defiantly worth the time to check out to add some ammunition to the ongoing debate.

Microsoft Updates Windows Azure Pricing Calculator With New Offering

Microsoft announced today new offerings within its Windows Azure Ecosystem.

Some of Windows Azure new features include:

Windows Azure Virtual Machines (IaaS)

Windows Azure Virtual Machines offer customers maximum flexibility in managing applications and infrastructure, Microsoft Windows Azure extends the functionality of the new IaaS. With this you can now run local virtual machine images to a Windows Azure and move virtual hard disks (VHD) between local and cloud environments. Microsoft also has expanded the list of supported operating systems, which include Windows Server (2008 R2, 2008 R2 with SQL Server 2012 Eval and 2012 RC) and Linux (OpenSUSE 12.1, CentOS-6.2, Ubuntu 12.04, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 SP2).

Windows Azure Virtual Network

Windows Azure Virtual Network allows you to configure virtual private network (VPN) in Windows Azure, and manage and securely tie them to the local IT infrastructure. The network is based on IPSEC protocol and gives administrators control over network topology, including IP addresses and routing tables.

Windows Azure is an open and flexible cloud platform that enables you to quickly build, deploy and manage applications across a global network of Microsoft-managed datacenters. You can build applications using any language, tool or framework. And you can integrate your public cloud applications with your existing IT environment.

Click here to access the updated offerings pricing calculator

Taking Cloud Computing Public

I had the opportunity to chat earlier this week with Editor in Chief Hailey Lynne McKeefry from Point2Security about future cloud transformation and cloud adoption in the SMB space. A few points we talked about:

Take time to plan before implementation. Think carefully about security, use, and other issues. "We spent two years strategizing our move to the cloud," Paine said. "Many small organizations rely on managed services or a VAR to implement cloud. The channel tends to want to sell a certain technology, so an SMB needs to have a strategy laid out, especially if they don't have their own IT department."

Stabilize the foundation of your technology. Western Precooling invested in new switches and implemented Citrix Acceleration. "Once we got the environment stabilized and had invested in the technology, we could demonstrate value to the organization." The company also used Varonis software for managing and updating data permissions to enhance data security and get ready for a public cloud environment.

Remember that the speed of technology continues to accelerate. "This is the fastest I've seen infrastructure technology take shape," said Paine. "It's moving so quick that you have to be in pre-analysis phase and keep a finger on the pulse, so you can continue to grab the opportunity as it arises."

Keep your eyes on the horizon. "While we alleviate pain points now, we have to look forward two or three years for what will help us drive business processes, be more competitive, and stay flexible. If we see an opportunity for a new application, we want to have done our due diligence and be ready to use it when the time comes."

Ask the hard security questions, and wait for the right answers. Talk to service providers about their commitment to security and about how data is handled. "Some SMBs worry that security is an issue in the cloud, but we have to understand that, even if it is an issue today, it won't be an issue down the road," he said. "We want to be ready to make the jump when it is not just cost effective, but also transparent to the users."

You can read the rest of our interview and conversation here and be sure to check out the rest of the Point2Security website.