One of the major complaints surrounding virtualization platforms is the difficulty in integrating third-party software and hardware. Quite often, these outside systems gel nicely with XenServer or VMware, but they can't seem to talk to each other through the hypervisor very well.

Now, it seems some providers are taking steps to alleviate that problem.

DataCore and Egenera recently announced a partnership aimed at seeking tandem verification for virtualization platforms. Egenera provides the BladeFrame system based on the Processing Area Network that oversees the installation and management of network, storage and processing resources, while DataCore provides virtual SAN technology in the SANmelody and SANsymphony lines.

Working together, the companies hope to deliver a unified virtual server/storage environment that can enhance utilization and optimize workloads by shifting server and storage resources at a moments' notice.

Ideally, enterprises should see a simplified virtual infrastructure that not only reduces management cost and complexity, but improves the ability to scale resources to meet changing data demands.