Comments on: VMware and performance, a strange combination

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:16:49 +0000

Gabe, as you’ve pointed out, the EULA doesn’t prevent you publishing benchmarks. It simple requires you to contact VMware in advance.

If you, as a “follower” have some independent and credible test results you’d like to share with the world, why not shoot VMware a mail and ask for permission to publish?

By: Allen Tyrnall

Allen Tyrnall — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:08:02 +0000

I agree the VMware EULA only contributes to the problem. Much like Simon writes above.

Yes, Microsoft is using their more ‘open’ EULA to encourage their prospective customers to benchmark Hyper-V against ESX.

In these type of competitive market environments, Microsoft is going to use any advantage it can find to gain entry into this space.

VMware will always have the taint of “something to hide” with their currently worded EULA.

By: Simon Bramfitt

Simon Bramfitt — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 23:12:56 +0000

I’m rather afraid that VMware are both saint and sinner in this regard. They publish some excellent guidelines on how to do benchmarking in a virtual environment, but then throw all that good work away by wording their EULA in such a negative and undefensible way.

“VMware reserve the right to refuse publication of any benchmark”

To have the right to veto a poorly conceived testing methodology is quite acceptable, but if they continue to reserve the right require a tester not to publish just because VMware don’t like the results or conclusions that are drawn from them, then I’m rather afraid that the mud slinging will continue.