XenServer’s Abrupt Decision to Halt Open Source Development of XenCenter Leaves Users in Limbo
In a move that has left users and the virtualization community scratching their heads, Cloud Software Group-owned XenServer has announced that it will no longer be contributing to the open source version of its management tool, XenCenter. The decision, which was made quietly in December 2023, effectively archives the open source copy of the repository and advises users not to submit any pull requests. This sudden change in direction has significant implications for those looking for an alternative to VMware, as well as for the broader virtualization industry.
The History of XenCenter
XenCenter is a Windows-based tool for managing the Citrix Hypervisor and/or XenServer. Citrix, which was acquired by Cloud Software Group in 2019, had previously given up on general purpose server virtualization but continued to maintain its products as part of its portfolio. XenServer, which was spun out as a separate business unit last year, has been attempting to revitalize its offerings and attract the attention of VMware customers as they consider alternative virtualization solutions.
The Open Source Version of XenCenter
The open source version of XenCenter, which was forked from the original XenServer codebase by the Vates organization, has been an important alternative to the proprietary version offered by XenServer. However, with the cessation of contributions to the open source repository, users are left with a tool that is no longer being updated or supported.
Vates’ Response
In response to XenServer’s decision, Vates, the organization behind the fork of XenServer into XCP-ng, has announced its own fresh version of Xen Orchestra, which it has paired with XCP-ng and renamed the “Vates Virtualization Management Stack.” This new offering is positioned as an alternative to XenCenter and promises to offer increased speed for VMware migrations by a factor of 20. Vates also revealed that over 95% of its new customers are VMware users, highlighting the demand for virtualization solutions beyond those offered by VMware.
Implications for Users
The sudden halt in open source development of XenCenter leaves users with few options. The proprietary version of XenCenter is no longer being updated or supported, and the open source version is now archived and will not be reviewed or merged. This effectively means that users are left with a tool that is no longer being maintained, which can create significant challenges for those looking to migrate away from VMware.
Implications for the Virtualization Industry
The decision by XenServer to halt open source development of XenCenter has broader implications for the virtualization industry as a whole. It highlights a growing trend among vendors to focus on proprietary solutions rather than contributing to open source projects. This can create a siloed environment where users are forced to rely on a single vendor, which can limit innovation and stifle competition. Furthermore, the lack of investment in open source projects can lead to a decrease in the overall quality and reliability of virtualization solutions.
Conclusion
XenServer’s decision to halt open source development of XenCenter has left users in limbo and highlights the challenges faced by those looking for an alternative to VMware. The virtualization industry as a whole is facing a growing trend towards proprietary solutions, which can limit innovation and stifle competition. It is essential that vendors continue to invest in open source projects to ensure the long-term health and viability of the virtualization industry.