Gartner just released their mid-2011 x86 Server Virtualization Magic Quadrant. In essense, Microsoft and Citrix gained ground on VMware joining them in the conveted Leaders Quandrant. There are no Challengers nor Visionaries in this iteration of the Magic Quadrant albeit Red Hat is contender. As noted, Microsoft has gained ground in the mid-market and Citrix is leveraging its desktop virtualization and free XenServer.
What does this mean for K-12 schools looking to get into server virtualization or expand their current server virtualization? For starters, this move surely will make its way into sales and marketing collateral. Each will try to translate their recent acclaim into sales. This makes perfect sense as each wants to continue to penetrate the markets. Service providers and consultants could use this data underscoring their decision to recommend a particular solution.
While each product – VMware, Citrix, and Hyper-V – certainly has their strengths, they also have their weaknesses. Price, complexity, feature, hardware requirements, and licensing are few of each product’s strengths and weaknesses. So what should a school do with Gartner’s Magic Quadrant?
First, its always good to recognize the leaders in a field as part of the decision making process. It’s good to understand the big picture. Don’t be afraid to ask why VMware is still the leader followed by Microsoft and Citrix. Conversely, don’t be afraid to ask why Microsoft and Citrix are in their position. Second, rather than leading with features, bells-and-whistles, and testimonials, start by constructing a solid architecture for your school sans product names. Once the architecture is completed, then solicit bids from each vendor. Third, and perhaps most importantly, ask how the solution will help with learning and teaching. Are there cost savings that can be reallocated? Are there personnel savings that can be reallocated in a positive way (help teachers and students)? Will uptime increase to better support/enhance learning and teaching?
In sum, Gartner’s Magic Quadrant can illuminate the big picture while serving as a springboard for questions and conversations. The same levels of objectivity and global thinking should be applied to local K-12 decisions about server virtualization (and technology in general). You will see there’s really no magic at all – just technology.
