Windows runs in Xen environment

By Staff Writer for Workgroup
Johannesburg, 11 Jun 2007

Novell distributor, Workgroup, has released para-virtualised network and block device drivers that will allow Microsoft Windows Server 2000/2003/XP to run unmodified in Xen virtual environments on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 from Novell, operating on Intel-based server platforms featuring Intel virtualisation technology.

"Combined with the existing ability to host unmodified Linux on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, these new drivers will let customers confidently migrate to newer and fewer energy-efficient servers, consolidating legacy Windows or Linux solutions onto virtual servers," says Sally Berimbau, Novell product manager at Workgroup.

In addition to providing cost savings when virtualising Windows on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, these drivers can improve the availability of Windows and Linux-based workloads via clustered virtual systems, she says. They will also help IT staff respond faster to business needs by easily creating and provisioning services on virtual systems.

According to Berimbau, Novell is sponsoring a virtualisation pilot programme for customers, providing enterprise-level support for running fully-virtualised Windows 2000/2003/XP workloads on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.

The para-virtualised device drivers are available to members of the pilot programme, with general availability scheduled for later this year, she concluded.