VMware has unveiled a beta version of VMware Go, a web-based service for small and midsized businesses (SMBs) that will simplify the process of virtualising their applications by automating the installation and configuration of the hypervisor, VMware ESXi.

According to the company, VMware ESXi, which is available for free, allows companies to reduce overhead and simplify business operations by running multiple operating systems and applications on a single server, spending less money on hardware, power and cooling, and server administration.

VMware Go was developed in partnership with Shavlik Technologies, a member of VMware’s Technology Alliance Partner Program. VMware Go is expected to become available as a free service in 2010.

Dan Chu, vice president of emerging products and markets at VMware, said: “VMware Go is the latest innovation we’ve brought to market as part of our ongoing commitment to helping SMB customers run their applications with more agility, profitability, and resilience. Nearly every SMB stands to benefit tremendously from virtualisation.

“VMware Go will simplify virtualisation for SMBs to a few easy online steps and was designed with SMBs in mind. We want SMBs who may be sitting on the fence to realise all the benefits of virtualisation without burdening their limited IT resources.”