I was asked to create a setup for automated deployment, configuration, installation/updates of websites. A bunch of small websites will be bundled on one server. If more website will come up a new server will be created...

I decided to us chef for this task.

All servers will be running Ubuntu at the same version and configuration.

The actual question:
Everything needs to be tested properly before starting live deployment, so my question is: What is the best virtualisation tool to run multiple (5 - 10) virtual machines on a Ubuntu Laptop?

Requirements:

• easy setup, fast
• (clone/snapshot of VMs)
• All VMs should be easily connected to the internet and should be able to communicate to each other
• (Open-Source / free would be great)

So far I looked into:

• Virtual box is more for Desktop virtualisation, Cloning not possible, every new machine needs to be installed
• VMware Player

Any suggestions?

If there are any question about what I am doing please comment on this question, I will answer as soon as possible.

This question is not about the actual set up, it is about a nice working environment.