Finally, Virtualization testing for Xen, ESX, Hyper-V and more

Information Week has announced a test among several virtual machine vendors including Citrix, ESX, Microsoft’s Hyper-V, Parallels and Virtual Iron.

This comparison is what Information Week calls a rolling review. This is where, over a period of time, all of the products are pitted against one another.

The testing starts from bare metal and includes four VM Hosts. Two are on identical high end servers newly purchased and two on lesser powered servers that have been repurposed for virtual host use.

The evaluation will consist of each vendor’s ease of setup, configuration, data and network connectivity. Conversion tools supplied by each of the vendors will be used to migrate real world servers running Windows 2000, 2003, 2008, Windows XP, and Debian Linux.

The first reviews will begin with Citrix XenServer. Identical runs of Microsfts’ Hyper-V and VMWare’s ESX server will follow. After these tests are completed Information Week’s Lab will provide a comprehensive overview of the smaller vendors. Following the testing a comprehensive wrapup detailing the features, performance, and price differences among the different Virtualization Vendors will be provided.

Follow the results of the rolling review here.

-j