At its core, PlateSpin PowerConvert provides the ability to move and manage existing server workloads--be they running over physical or virtual servers--to other servers--be they running over physical or virtual servers. The platform leverages streaming migration technologies as well as block, file, and image based replication methods to move data from location to location, supporting the movement of workloads across both local and WAN connected infrastructure. As such, target uses for the platform include both performance optimization as well as backup and disaster recovery.

PlateSpin was acquired by Novell in March of 2008.

PowerConvert is deployed on Windows Servers (2000/2003) and Clients (2000/XP Pro/2003), with the ability to manage workloads across Windows (NT/2000/XP/2003), Red Hat Linux/Enterprise Linux, SLES (8/9/10), and virtual infrastructure including VMware (Server/ESX Server 2.5+/3), Microsoft Virtual Server (2005/2005 R2), Virtual Iron 3.1 and Citrix XenServer 4.1.

A key feature of the PowerConvert technology (and thus its name) is its ability to transfer workloads (defined as apps, data, and OS) not only between physical and virtual machines (or physical to physical machines) but also between dis-similar hardware platforms. These virtual "hardware independent" images and recovery environments also support the ability to apply on-the-fly configuration changes when loading them on target machines (such as adjustments for available CPU, disk, memory, or network resources) via a wizard and drag and drop-based interface.

Other platform features include:

- Support for Live Transfers for Windows workloads; the ability to transfer a workload while the source server continues running. An additional feature, Server Sync, provides the ability to test the target server until it is ready for use, then perform a final synchronization between the source and target servers prior to target server deployment (the final synchronization requires the source server to be brought offline, but is designed to minimize the necessary downtime).

- Automatic discovery of existing physical and virtual machines

- Support for scheduled replication at either file or block level (depending on PowerConvert version). The source server needn't be taken offline while replication is in progress.

- Support for image-based provisioning, including support for differential, incremental, or full images. PowerConvert additionally supports 3rd party imaging products including Acronis True Image, Symantec LiveState, and Symantec Ghost as well the platform's own "flexible" (hardware-independent) image formats.

- Support for 3rd party backup platforms including Veritas Backup Exec, CA BrighStor ARCserv r11, and Double-Take

New features in the latest release (the first by new owner Novell) include extended platform support (now including 64-bit windows, physical or virtual migrations from Red Hat Enterprise Linux to SLES) improved transfer speeds, and the aforementioned support for incremental imaging.

PlateSpin PowerConvert is available now and is offered with "per use" (for one-time migration) licenses as well as ("per workload") licenses for perpetual use. The "per use" licenses starts at $175 and the "per workload" licenses start at $425.

Visit the vendor's Web site for further information.