The free VMWare firewall software will also control and monitor communications between virtual machines, interfacing with a second free utility, the Astaro Command Center.
According to Astaro, based in Wilmington, Massachusetts, when deploying virtual machines, it is essential to protect the communication between virtual machines as well as to the internet.
VMware meets this demand by offering `shield' zones which deliver basic security functions to virtual environments.
However, said Astaro, shield zones are only included in the larger VMware `Sphere' editions, starting with the Advanced package.
Those editions are often oversized, especially in the case of small and medium sized businesses, whose demands can be fulfilled by the small editions - at lower costs and more convenience.
Astaro says its Free Business Firewall for VMware fills this gap and adds enterprise security functions to all VMware vSphere editions, regardless of the organization's size.
The free VMware firewall offered by Astaro comes with the same functionalities and performance as VMware's vShield zones, however it is free of charge and offers the ability to add additional applications, such as email and web filtering capabilities, as needed.
Gert Hansen, Astaro's chief software architect, said that while VMware Server has helped many small and medium sized businesses take advantage of virtual environments, the absence of a firewall and the inability to control communications between virtual machines can be a barrier to taking this technology further.
"Astaro wants to ensure all virtual environments are protected from external threats, regardless of the customer's size or resources. We also want to give businesses control over communications between VMware machines," he said.
"Our Free Business Firewall for VMware will fill this security and communications gap making it easier for customers to secure their virtual environments."