Vizioncore has introduced a new version of its tool for converting physical servers to virtual machines, adding features for migration and disaster recovery protection.

Available now, vConverter 4.0 ships in two editions: Server Consolidation for one-time conversions; and Disaster Recovery for recurring conversions at a slightly higher price tag.

The tool is designed to allow administrators to quickly and easily convert servers to virtual machines without them having to be installed on the source systems, and can also convert virtual machines to Microsoft, Virtual Iron, VMware and XenServer formats, according to Vizioncore.

Version 4.0 adds a continuous protection feature, enabling companies to maintain virtual machine replicas of key servers for disaster recovery purposes. Incremental replication technology updates the replicas with only changes to files from the source machine.

Another new feature, Synchronised Cutover, reduces the downtime required during workload migration projects by allowing the source and virtual machine clone to run alongside each other during the switchover process, with changes synchronised between the two.

Other new features include a one-click quick conversion process, and Remote Cold Cloning whereby transaction-oriented systems such as database and email servers are remotely rebooted into an offline environment for safe conversion to a virtual machine.

The Server Consolidation version of vConverter 4.0 costs $129 (£81), while the Disaster Recovery edition for ongoing conversions costs $299 (£187).