IT_PRO

While there are plenty of "free" (notice the quotes) hypervisors, when you start looking at DR solutions that include real-time data protection or near-time (15 minute snapshots), you are going to have to spend some money. I am currently looking into the following... Created with Camtasia Studio 5 It seems as if for the cost of two copies of Windows Server 2008 Enterprise and SteelEye's DataKeeper software, I can get real-time replication and recovery of virtual machines in under 30 seconds. Of course this assumes that you decide to virtualize both your production and DR servers.

Look at #9, #10 and #11 in the FAQ. Citrix XenServer is a type-1 Hypervisor as described in the FAQ. In general, the performance and management capabilities are much better in a type-1 hypervisor. Cost is becoming less of a factor as all of the major players have a "free" low-end type-1 hypervisors. - VMware 3i - Microsoft Hyper-V Server - Citrix XenServer Express

Frequently Asked Questions about Virtualization This is a great place to start learning about Virtualization.

You will want to have a look at PlateSpin's power convert. PlateSpin Products - PowerConvert In addition to the ones you mentioned, another option include SteelEye's Windows Protection Suite and their Citrix XenServer Protection Suite. FYI...XenServer is much better than VMware Server or MS Virtual Server 2005. I'd look at VMware 3i, MS Hyper-V or Citrix Xen Server as your Hypervisor.