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Virtualization: Pushing Linux Into Small Businesses?
When Lenovo launched four ThinkServers a few days ago, The VAR Guy noticed that the systems -- designed for small and midsize businesses -- emphasized virtualization. Hmmm. So, The VAR Guy began to wonder: Are virtualized servers (running a mix of Linux and Windows) really starting to push into the SMB space?
The VAR Guy
July 7, 2009
1 Min Read
small-business-servers
When Lenovo launched four ThinkServers a few days ago, The VAR Guy noticed that the systems — designed for small and midsize businesses — emphasized virtualization. Hmmm. So, The VAR Guy began to wonder: Are virtualized servers (running a mix of Linux and Windows) really starting to push into the SMB space?Sure, virtualization helps large enterprises to consolidate their data centers and increase server utilization rates. Overall power consumption drops, there are fewer physical servers to manage, and the CEO can crow about going green. Everybody is potentially happy.
But is that scenario starting to repeat itself in the small and midsize business markets? Apparently, yes. As InformationWeek notes, the new Lenovo servers are:
“virtualization ready,” meaning they are available with a choice of virtualization technology from Microsoft, Novell, VMWare or Red Hat pre-installed.”
The new Lenovo servers have multiple implications. Of course, Microsoft Small Business Server maintains a firm grip on smaller office settings. But as businesses push to 100 seats and beyond, Lenovo seems to see an opportunity to mix and match Windows, Linux and virtualization.
So ironically, Lenovo could wind up creating even more pull for Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Novell SUSE Linux, particularly in midsize businesses. At least, that’s The VAR Guy’s thesis. Anybody care to debate him?
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