Virtual Windows to run unmodified on Linux
Novell distributor, Workgroup, has announced the availability of para-virtualised network and block device drivers that aim to 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, and help IT staff to respond faster to business needs, by easily creating and provisioning services on virtual systems, she adds.
Novell is sponsoring a virtualisation pilot programme for customers, aiming to provide enterprise-level support for running fully virtualised Windows 2000/2003/XP workloads on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.
"The paravirtualised device drivers are now available to members of the pilot programme and general availability is scheduled for later this year," says Berimbau.
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