Did you ever want to demonstrate or test XenServer premium features like HA and couldn’t do because lack of hardware?
Did you ever have the need for a quick clean XenServer installation do test some tests of CLI commands?
Sometimes I am in such a situation…
…and this exactly is the moment where I think: Why don’t we have a XenServer Simulator?
Well, there is a simulator available for some months or even years! It’s just that most people don’t know it 
Interested? Then you might want to have a closer look at the XenServer SDK VM.
How do you get started? It’s pretty easy!
1.) Download XenServer SDK VM
2.) Import it into a XenServer host.
3.) Boot VM
4.) configure root password
5.) In case of DHCP: Connect through XenCenter to the IP listed after boot of the simulator.
6.) In case of static IP: Login to VM, configure IP using xsconsole and connect through XenCenter
7.) Optionally point to a license server with an appropriate license for XenServer Advanced and upwards functionality.
8.) Have fun!
Combined with a free storage solution like Openfiler you get a nice training / working environment with shared storage connectivity and pool configuration – all in-a-box if you like.
BTW: The XenServer “Boston” Beta includes a Simulator as well.
