Enterprise software giant Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL) announced the release of VM Server for x86 Release 3.1, the latest version of company’s server virtualization solution, designed to support application deployment and simplify data center management.

Key new capabilities improve storage availability and backup support and hardware compatibility, as well as an updated user interface featuring streamlined wizards to improve access to task and speed completion of workflows.

While in the Oracle VM management web browser user interface, objects can be dragged and dropped in user operations to provide the same look and feel of native application, enabled through the use of Oracle’s Application Development Framework (ADF).

As part of the Microsoft Server Virtualization Vendor Program (SVVP), Oracle VM’s Windows drivers (PV 3.0.1) and virtualization implementation have been validated. The program enables Microsoft customers to receive technical support for Windows Server deployed in Oracle VM environments.

Oracle also has added three preconfigured VM templates for the Oracle E-Business Suite 12.1.3 to speed application deployment, including PeopleSoft Financials, Supply Chain Management 9.1, and Oracle Enterprise Manager 12c.

In addition, the platform is integrated with the company’s Enterprise Manager software and Enterprise Manager Ops Center, both of which are included as part of an Oracle VM subscription, to offer a more complete cloud-based solution.

Businesses today are looking for ways to simplify and speed deployment and management of enterprise applications in the data center and cloud is the driver. VM 3.1 is designed to improve ease of use and accelerate app deployment while reducing overall costs — VARs don’t need to be an oracle to see how their customers would find that proposition attractive.