We think Xen is ready

From Jeff Jaffe’s blog:

In my last post, I argued that Linux needed enhancements to fully address the demands of a data center. I identified 7 key characteristics which were required. I also committed that I would describe how SUSE’s Code 10 addressed these needs. In my next post, I will provide some of this detail. But there’s some press play out there right now about one of the critical new benefits available in SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 – virtualization – that I can’t let pass. A Red Hat VP has been telling the press that, although there is “unbelievable” demand for virtualization, that Xen, the leading open source virtualization offering, is not ready yet for the enterprise.

What does Novell believe? Xen is ready! What do other companies say? IBM has made it clear they’re supporting Xen now. I’m looking at another corporate press release supporting Xen from March 2006. The company “Formally Announces Integrated Virtualization”. Who is that company? Why, it is Red Hat! Do they really believe Xen virtualization is not ready? Or are they trying to introduce a little FUD into the market because another Linux vendor has beaten them to the punch by a good half year in terms of an integrated virtualization offering, including Xen? (In fact, Red Hat seems to be backtracking today, according to this story in the Register, so I’m not sure where they stand.) Xen is the leading open source project for virtualization for a reason – because it’s so strong. Novell and many others in the industry support it. If you have virtualization needs in the data center, we can deliver it today. Don’t be fooled….