In response to my previous post Dave Caddick has queried the suitability of the BL25p as a virtualisation platform, given that it can support 4 cores. 

In response I'd like to point out that the BL25p features 8 memory slots, giving it a maximum capacity of 32GB if each slot is populated with a 4GB DIMM. 

When creating virtual machines one should be mindful of the advice given in Ron Ogleby's book, VMware ESX Server Advanced Technical Design Guide. Ron highlights that many engineers over-spec the amount of memory and processing power that is required to ensure that their system flies and isn't dogged by performance issues.  However as it is so easy to increase the resources made available to your virtual machines, Ron advocates starting with a minimal configuration which can be improved upon when deemed necessary.

Going back to Dave's comment, IMHO, the BL25p does offer a suitable virtualisation platform, if you are prepared to pay the price of the dense 4GB DIMMs.  One should bear in mind the amount of memory that is likely to be consumed by a VM when looking at candidates for virtualisation.  If a server has to be packed with memory, then maybe it isn't a good candidate, unless you are seeking to reap benefits that VMware ESX has to offer, outside of the usual consolidation debate.