Server virtualization is an uprising phenomenon for European companies. Surveying enterprise IDC conducted two studies, in 2007 and in the first quarter of 2008, regarding the spread of virtualization, along with the intentions of further use of the technology.

On a large sample of big companies and small organizations, the researchers certified that 35% of the servers bought in 2007 in Europe were virtualized. Although 2008 is far from being over, based on the actual data and forecasts, the IDC investigators say that 52% of the servers purchased in the current year will be virtualized. In addition, more than half of server owners who did not virtualize their belongings are expected to do so in the next 18 months.

"Both large organizations and smaller businesses are using the technology for a wider range of applications and for business critical projects. As use of virtualization grows the challenges around managing complexity, finding skills and software licensing become more apparent", Chris Ingle, consulting and research director at IDC's Systems Group, explained why European companies are so fond of the technology.

The study also underscores the predilections towards certain releases. VMware is the indisputable market leader, with 82% of the total users being faithful to the application. The open source Xen is the favorite of only 3% of the respondents, while Microsoft's platform is used by 13% of those questioned. The evolution of the platforms is not as predictable as it was thought to be. ''The range of approaches makes the right technology selection critical: Microsoft is making a strong push for market share later in 2008; VMware seems to be in the right place with its focus on business continuity and virtualization management; Citrix and the Unix vendors are appealing to their core markets; HP, IBM, Fujitsu-Siemens Computers, Dell, Sun, BMC, and others will look to take the lead in systems and management,'' Chris Ingle added.