New Citrix XenServer released in SA

Workgroup to distribute Citrix XenServer locally

The dedicated Citrix division at local distribution house, Workgroup, has announced that Citrix XenServer 5.5 will be available through the house effective immediately.

Unlike basic hypervisors that have been free for years, XenServer sets a new standard for free virtualisation with features such as centralised multi-node management, built-in storage and full live motion, says Magda Hanekom, product manager: Citrix and Workgroup.

“In the short period of time since its release, more than 100 000 customers have downloaded XenServer from hundreds of download sites in over 50 countries worldwide with positive feedback,” she adds. “The new XenServer 5.5 release, available for download now, provides these customers with even more value by adding a wide range of new enterprise management capabilities at no additional charge.”

XenServer 5.5 adds a wide range of features that enable easier virtualisation management and broader integration with enterprise systems. This version includes features such as consolidated backup, enhanced conversion and search tools, Active Directory integration and expanded guest support for virtually every version of Windows and Linux operating system.

Also available locally is the new 5.5 release of Citrix Essentials for XenServer and Hyper-V, providing advanced virtualisation management capabilities for customers using XenServer or Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V. Essentials 5.5 enhances both of these high growth virtualisation platforms by adding expanded storage integration, automated lab and stage management and dynamic workload balancing.