Virtualization

Having finally persuaded the client I'm currently working for to pilot VMWare WS as a platform for users to have test machines (they currently deploy physical machines, screens and keyboards...) we're now looking at ESXi, as a number of IBM 3650 boxes have become available for us. Should that product be in the list? Although server-based, I think it's a valid option.

I would agree with you Ian, ESXi is a valid option. Keep in mind though there's no support for USB passthrough in ESXi, so testing drivers for USB devices for example will prove to be problematic.

PJ

Good point, ESXi has been added and I also opened it up to allow more than one selection

ESXi actually supports passthrough natively with 4.1, and there are plenty of options and third party utilities to either enable or virtualize USB passthrough with ESX 4.0.

I use NxTop from Virtual computer. I find it really useful for personal work as it has a type 1 hypervisor that means very few resources are used up on the machine making more resources available for the VMs, especially useful for demonstrations. This is a free to use engine and there is an Express version that gives you central management of 5 machines too.

The Enterprise version gives full management of desktops and laptops running the NxTop engine so it gives a VDI experience without the associated server and storage infrastructure.

Worth taking a look at http://www.nxtop.co.uk

I use Parallels,currently and switching to VMware soon. With parallels, it chugs. I saved a couple bucks on the front end, but it's not worth it. Don't try it.