Microsoft is taking the fight with its cloud computing rival, VMware, to a new level, with the launch of Systems Center 2012 that includes a new pricing structure and integrates eight separate component products into one unified solution, streamlining installation and reducing the time it takes to deploy from days down to hours.The software is used with Windows and virtualisation software, letting companies turn their servers into so-called private clouds. The offering is cheaper than VMware's competing product.
Cloud computing puts data and applications on remote servers and data centres, rather than storing it in a company's own mainframes. Users can access the data and applications through the internet.
Microsoft's Satya Nadella, president of Microsoft Server and Tools Business, detailed the company's plans over an online broadcast as to how Microsoft's private cloud solution will help businesses move faster, save money and compete better in 2012.
He highlighted companies such as Lufthansa Systems, T Rowe Price and Unilever that can use Microsoft System Center 2012