Virtualisation security a concern

According to an IP Expo survey, UK IT managers see virtualisation as the way to go but still have qualms about securing data, writes eWeek Europe.

The survey showed that 88% of the sample rated data security as a key objective and spending priority for 2011. This was closely followed by virtualisation which was identified as a priority among 85.8% of respondents.

The survey was carried out by conference organiser Imago Techmedia among 257 pre-registered delegates for its IP Expo 2010, a European IT infrastructure event planned for 20 and 21 October.

If VMware is on the verge of buying Novell's Suse Linux operating system, the virtualisation company could abandon its anti-operating system crusade and compete more directly against the likes of Red Hat and Microsoft, says IT World Canada.

VMware made its fame by virtualising Windows-based servers, but has argued lately that virtualisation is taking over the job of managing hardware and reducing the relevance of Windows and other operating systems. VMware is also preparing a cloud computing service aimed at displacing Windows on the desktop side.

But now comes news, from the Wall Street Journal; VMware is in talks to purchase the Suse Linux operating system business from Novell, which has been subject to buyout rumours since a hedge fund offered $2 billion for the company several months ago.

Russian distributor OCS has boosted its virtualisation credentials, adding Citrix products to its portfolio, states Channel EMEA.

OCS, which is part of NCC, reckons that there is a growing demand for virtualisation solutions in Russia as companies look to reduce IT infrastructure costs.

"The Russian market is developing rapidly and the need for IT solutions is constantly increasing. Cooperation with OCS will enable us to take another step towards satisfying this demand and increase our efficiency in the whole region,” says Milos Hrncar, VP of Citrix for Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.