VMware Launches Free Server Beta

As expected, VMware on Monday introduced VMware Server, the successor to GSX Server. The company hopes that by giving away its entry-level product, it will drive users to upgrade to its for-pay ESX Server, as well as position the company as the leader in virtualization technology. While VMware Server will require a "host" operating system in order to use its features, ESX requires no host.

"With VMware Server, we are ensuring that every company interested in, considering or evaluating server virtualization for the first time has access to the industry-leading virtualization technology," company president Diane Greene said in a statement. The product is the second free offering from the company: in December the company released VMware Player. The beta of VMware Server can be downloaded from FileForum for both Windows and Linux operating systems.