Corporations and the Xserve

Companies like VMware and Parallels have carved out quite a niche for themselves developing virtualization software that allows home users as well as corporations to run multiple "virtual" machines on one piece of hardware (often called the host). This is a popular solution in business because there is no longer the need to dedicate one OS installation per server. Server hardware is fully utilized and shares system resources. The end result being the ability to run more with less hardware. The lack of virtualization support on the Mac may restrict the application of Xserve in some large corporate data centers.

See 5 Reasons the Fanboy Label is Popular for more information.

Does Apple send sales people around to let potential customer know how their products could save them money? Lets face it, in the end money talks (I don't hear anything personally, but somehow executives ears are more in tune to it).

It appears that Apple's Xserve offering can compete with a portion of the Dell, HP, and IBM product lines. I say a portion because the Xserve comes in one shape and size. If you have decided to purchase an Apple server your won't have to browse many pages of server models. You don't have to decide if you are going with rack mounted, or standalone chassis. No deciding on a high density blade configuration or standard 1 or 2U form-factor.

Are there other reasons why you feel Apple isn't excelling in this area? Does your business or place of employment run Xserve's?