Virtualization types will now find a fresh beta of VMware's Server 2 software out in the wild.

VMware Server has been VMware's response to rivals who opted to give away their base server virtualization software. VMware used to sell GSX Server - a lower-end package than its flagship ESX Server - until replacing it with Server last year. VMware uses Server to protect its low-end turf and to lure customers toward paying for ESX Server. More than 3m VMware Server downloads have gone out to date with the vast majority of those reaching SMBs, according to VMware.

VMware Server 2 boasts a number of new features.

It has a revamped web-based management interface. In addition, the virtualization package now supports up to 30 guest operating systems, including Vista, Windows Server 2008 (beta), Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 and Ubuntu 7.10. So all the latest and greatest OSes are there, including support for 64-bit guest systems.

The new release can also handle paravirtualized OSes through the virtual machine interface (VMI), supports USB 2.0 devices and accommodates up to 8 GB of memory per virtual machine and up to 2 Virtual SMP (symmetric multi-processor) processors.

You can grab the beta here. VMware expects a production version of the software to ship sometime next year. How's that for vague?

Just yesterday, Microsoft slapped a $28 price tag on the upcoming, standalone version of its Hyper-V virtualization software. ®

Register editor Ashlee Vance has just pumped out a new book that's a guide to Silicon Valley. The book starts with the electronics pioneers present in the Bay Area in the early 20th century and marches up to today's heavies. Want to know where Gordon Moore eats Chinese food, how unions affected the rise of microprocessors or how Fairchild Semiconductor got its start? This is the book for you - available at Amazon US here or in the UK here.

Related stories

Microsoft's Hyper-V release threat level reaches RC status (19 March 2008)
Canonical scoops up KVM for Ubuntu virtualisation (11 February 2008)
Microsoft prints get-out-of-jail card for Vista Home (22 January 2008)
Microsoft preempts Hyper-V release with virtualization vision (21 January 2008)
VMware parades virtualization for the SMB masses (4 December 2007)
Virtual Iron presses OEM deal with Dell (21 November 2007)
Reg readers get physical with virtual machines (20 November 2007)
Windows Server 2008 to come in 8 flavors (12 November 2007)
HP spreads Virtual Connect to 1,600 servers (12 November 2007)
Red Hat has massive Linux fluidity moment (7 November 2007)
How to escape the clutches of world+dog's VMware fetish (31 October 2007)