Desktop virtualization review: VMware Workstation vs. Oracle VirtualBox

EMC's all-in-one compute appliance comes with an app store Microsoft updates cloud-based SQL Server to simplify management

InfoWorld's Virtualization February 26, 2015 INSIDER Desktop virtualization review: VMware Workstation vs. Oracle VirtualBox VMware Workstation 11 has the edge in performance and polish, while VirtualBox 2.3.20 leads in platform support and price. READ MORE   Issue highlights 1. EMC's all-in-one compute appliance comes with an app store 2. Microsoft updates cloud-based SQL Server to simplify management 3. Let it rain: The triumph of trickle-down tech White Paper: Windstream Communications Security in the Age of Enterprise Technology Windstream brings you the latest Nemertes report on how to use network security to create more business opportunities and remove stumbling blocks to progress.LEARN MORE EMC's all-in-one compute appliance comes with an app store Converged infrastructure equipment is designed for ease of use, and EMC's latest product emulates the easiest tech toys around by including an app store.You won't be able to download games or photo apps for the VSPEX Blue, but a range of applications will be offered for the integrated compute-storage-networking system, including data backup and recovery.[ Doing storage virtualization correctly is not simple. InfoWorld's expert contributors show you how to get it right in this "Storage Virtualization Deep Dive" PDF guide. | Get the latest insight on the tech news that matters from InfoWorld's Tech Watch blog. ] The VSPEX Blue is based on VMware's EVO:Rail platform, a software-only appliance that VMware leaves to partner companies to implement in hardware systems. Dell, Super Micro and other vendors already sell EVO:Rail systems. Like the high-end Vblock platforms that VMware builds in its VCE partnership with EMC and Cisco, these systems include all the components of enterprise IT infrastructure in one box, but they are designed for smaller deployments and not customized at the factory.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here READ MORE Microsoft updates cloud-based SQL Server to simplify management Microsoft has added automated backup and patching for SQL Server databases running in virtual machines on its Azure cloud, in a bid to simplify management and improve reliability.As enterprises move more and larger IT systems to the cloud, advanced management functionality is becoming increasingly important to keep systems up and costs down. And step by step, service providers like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft are adding new features to streamline management processes.[ Get the latest practical info and news with Paul Venezia's Deep End blog. | Doing server virtualization right is not so simple. InfoWorld's expert contributors show you how to get it right in this 24-page "Server Virtualization Deep Dive" PDF guide. ] The latest improvements from Microsoft are aimed at keeping SQL Server backed up and secure in a more convenient way when running the database in virtual machines on Azure.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here READ MORE Let it rain: The triumph of trickle-down tech The lines between enterprise and consumer-grade infrastructure devices are blurring faster than ever — which is saying a lot, given the advances of the past decade. The events of the past 30 years have shown that the concept of "trickle down" doesn’t work very well in economics, but it works great for technology. Alongside the massive strides made in various open source network, storage, and virtualization projects, trickle-down tech is why we’re suddenly seeing such advanced options available in consumer and prosumer devices today. Essentially, we’ve brought enterprise tech to the small business.[ Mobile devices are already in your network -- now learn how to manage them with InfoWorld's Consumerization of IT Deep Dive. Download the special report today! | Cut to the key news in technology trends and IT breakthroughs with the InfoWorld Daily newsletter, our summary of the top tech happenings. ] We’re at a place where you can buy a $60 wireless access point and router that can do nearly anything you could possibly need at home or in a small business, as well as WPA2 Enterprise with LDAP authentication. Need to cut different SSIDs on different VLANs for security and guest networking? No problem. Need 802.1x and QoS? Not a problem. DD-WRT does all of this and more, and it's now coming standard on some wireless routers, rather than requiring a knowledgeable user to flash their compatible device. It’s becoming a standard.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here READ MORE White Paper: CDW CDW Partners with Aruba for Secure Wireless Networking Aruba Networks' innovative wireless solutions lead the industry in advanced resiliency, peak performance, and multi-grade security to enable employees to collaborate and stay productive on any device -- anywhere in the office. VIEW NOW DAILY NEWS, DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX FIRST THING Start your workday with Today's Headlines: First Look, and find out what the tech world will be talking about all day. Subscribe now!