PlateSpin updates server workload migration tools

Management tool provider PlateSpin has a new version of its server migration tool out

PlateSpin has introduced a new version of its management tool for migrating workloads between servers, adding the ability to move between a physical server and a virtual server on Linux-based as well as Windows systems.

PowerConvert 7.0, available immediately, is the company's first new release since it was acquired by Novell earlier in 2008. The tool is an enterprise-class solution to simplify management of workloads in datacentres by letting administrators move them between servers as necessary.

"To build the next-generation data centre infrastructure, organisations need enterprise-calibre multi-platform workload portability, robust and scalable workload protection and reliable policy-based orchestration," said PlateSpin chief executive Stephen Pollack.

A key feature is the ability to move a workload from a physical server into a virtual machine or vice versa, with support for virtual machines running under Microsoft Virtual Server, Virtual Iron, VMware or Citrix XenServer.

Version 7.0 also has extended support for both Linux and Windows-based workloads, and provides new image-based disaster recovery capabilities, according to the firm.

The latter consists of image import and export capabilities that enable organisations to create and manage an image-based repository of server workloads for backup and disaster recovery purposes.

Version 7.0 also features improved transfer speeds for workload migrations over gigabit Ethernet or even high-latency wide-area networks, according to PlateSpin. Synchronisation, job automation and post-migration testing capabilities minimise downtime while the migration is carried out.