Free Citrix Server for Everyone

For the first time, production deployment on world class application delivery infrastructure is available for free. Yes, FREE! Citrix, a world leader in application delivery infrastructure with annual revenues grossing over $1.6 billion has come up with this innovative offering, XenServer. This server packs in a lot a virtualization punch with freebies like XenMotion for unlimited server management, and integrated storage management amongst other things.

The latest and free XenServer is powered by the same Xen® virtualization engine which drives nearly every independent cloud today. It is significant to know that today close to 75 percent of corporate servers globally are not virtualized. The decision of Citrix to offer virtual platform free would jumpstart a new revolution enabling performance strides in enterprise datacenters by harnessing the scale and economics of the cloud for the first time!

The latest Citrix XenServer is a feature-loaded virtual infrastructure engine with great elements like:

• Proven Hypervisor Engine powered by the 64-bit industry standard Xen open source hypervisor that leverages performance, scalability and security in next-generation servers, microprocessors and operating systems.
• Live Motion and Multi-Server Resource Sharing that facilitates movement of virtual machines from server to server without service interruption or zero downtime.
• Powerful Central Management allowing total management for unlimited number of virtual machines and servers.
• Easy Administration & Setup with intuitive Web 3.0 style search, and built-in auto-help that makes learning a snap for new administrators.
• Integral Storage Management compatible any existing storage systems with features like dynamic multi-pathing capabilities and host-based logical volume management.

Nathan Day, Chief Technology Officer of Softlayer commenting on the Xen virtualization engine said, “We can gain even further leverage using the full power of XenServer in our next-generation cloud computing platform with more efficiency and richer functionality than ever before. XenServer, as part of the Citrix Cloud Center (C3) platform, is really leading the way in the emerging cloud segment by helping its customers and partners navigate the rapidly-evolving technology.”

Mark Bowker, Enterprise Strategy Group’s analyst remarked, “Free hypervisors with limited functionality have been around for a long time. We see this move as substantially different because it offers a competitive, enterprise-ready virtual infrastructure platform with full centralized management, live motion and support for unlimited virtual machines and servers – with no strings attached.”

What could be the idea behind such a wildly incredible step from a global company to offer state-of-art infrastructure to both Enterprise and Cloud providers amidst soaring server prices? The move is aimed actually to spur the adoption of virtual platform for enterprise-level customers and to initiate full Windows support by external cloud providers to their current Linux offerings.