VMware connects with storage companies

On Monday, the Palo Alto, Calif.-based company said its ESX Server software had successfully completed testing with EMC, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, Hitachi Data Systems, Hewlett-Packard, IBM and Network Appliance.

ESX Server is "virtualization" software, which enables organizations to run multiple operating systems and applications on the same computer at the same time. VMware also makes software that lets customers shift a "virtual machine" from one physical computer to another while the application is still running.

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Michael Mullany, VMware's vice president of marketing, said the company's server virtualization products complement offerings from other companies that aim to create a single pool of storage resources.

"Now, your software can move around the data center, and your data can move around your data center," he said.

The ability to manage multiple servers and storage devices in such a fashion is seen as a stepping stone on the path to utility computing--the concept of computing power as a service organizations use and pay for as needed.

Technology industry giants Sun Microsystems, HP and IBM are also working on virtualization technologies.

VMware said its storage compatibility testing was specifically for storage area network (SAN) gear. SANs are networks for more efficient use and easier management of data storage devices.

Mullany said the testing certifications should make it easier for VMware and the storage equipment companies to coordinate technical support services for customers.

At some point, VMware may seek to certify its VMotion software with storage companies, Mullany said. VMotion is designed to move a "virtual machine" to a different physical server connected to the same SAN without service interruption.