VMware Server 2 Beta Now Open

VMware has launched a public beta of Server 2, the latest version of the California company's software that allows physical servers to be partitioned into multiple virtual machines. Using a web-based management system, this version of the software supports over 30 guest operating systems, including Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008 beta, Vista, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5, and Ubuntu 7.10. 64-bit guest operating systems on 64-bit compatible processors are also supported.

VMware Server 2 supports up to 8GB of RAM per virtual machine and up to 2 virtual SMP processors, has enhanced support for virtualized USB 2.0 devices, and supports VMI communication between virtualized operating systems and the virtualization layer. The beta of VMware Server 2 can be downloaded on the company's site.