VMware vSphere 4.1 virtualisation platform

The VMware vSphere 4.1 virtualisation platform enables enterprises and service providers to lay the foundation for cloud computing by aggregating a pool of computing resources that can be accessed on-demand while enabling policy-based automation and management.

It enables users to aggregate twice the computing resources within a single pool. VMware vCenter Server can manage up to 10,000 users concurrently powered on VMs - three times as many as before.

Memory compression technology preserves the performance of systems under heavy load, resulting in up to 25% better performance over previous approaches. Memory compression also contributes to further increased consolidation ratios.

The platform migrates virtual machines up to five times faster and enables up to eight concurrent vMotion events per server pair.

Network and storage I/O controls provide granular control over how applications access shared storage and network resources. Administrators can set quality of service priorities per virtual machine and the platform automatically manages resource allocation.

vStorage APIs for Array Integration (VAAI) enable tighter integration with solutions from the company’s storage partners to increase the efficiency and performance of the platform in cloud environments.

The company has expanded the management portfolio for cloud environments. vCenter Configuration Manager (formerly EMC Ionix Application Stack Manager and EMC Ionix Server Configuration Manager) ensures policy-based compliance and avoids configuration drift by automating manual configuration tasks across virtual and physical servers and workstations.

vCenter Application Discovery Manager (formerly EMC Ionix Application Discovery Manager) maps application dependencies to accelerate data centre moves, plan infrastructure consolidations and virtualise applications.

Enhanced virtualisation offerings for small and midsize businesses are also available to enable improved infrastructure efficiency and business continuity, eg, vMotion delivers advanced live migration capability and is included in vSphere 4.1 Essentials Plus and Standard editions.