Microsoft virtualisation software becomes reality

Microsoft has unwrapped a virtualisation surprise for its user community, announcing the launch of its virtualisation technology, Hyper-V earlier than expected.

A virtualisation platform that allows multiple operating system (OS) instances to run on a host computer at the same time, the Microsoft hypervisor - formerly known as Viridian - had been delayed, but is now available to download.

Earlier this year, Microsoft pushed back the release of the RC1 to sometime during the first quarter of 2008. But the availability of the hypervisior will be brought forward to just a week after the RC1 launch of Windows Server 2008, in which Hyper-V is to feature.

Microsoft said customers and partners can now download Windows Server 2008 RC1 Enterprise with the beta version of Hyper-V to evaluate the new technology, test applications and plan future consolidation, business continuity and high-availability projects, as well as provide feedback for the final release.

Bill Laing, general manager of the Windows Server Division at Microsoft said Hyper-V would enable Windows Server 2008 to offer cost-effective and flexible licensing for virtualisation and extend the savings realised through server consolidation across Microsoft estates.

The beta for Windows Server 2008 with Hyper-V is currently available for the x64 Enterprise Edition in English. And this release provides expanded features and capabilities not previously available in the September 2007 Community Technology Preview of Hyper-V. These include Quick Migration, high availability, Server Core role and Server Manager integration.

Microsoft added that it is sticking to its original plan to release the final version of Hyper-V within 180 days of the ready-to-manufacture (RTM) version of Windows Server 2008.

The vendor also said it is developing the next version of System Centre Virtual Machine Manager to provide integrated management of physical and virtual environments. "Customers will be able to use this integrated management tool to rapidly provision and configure new virtual machines,

and centrally manage their virtual infrastructure, running on Hyper-V, Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2, VMware ESX Server and Virtual Infrastructure 3 (V13)," it said.

Dale Vile, managing director of analyst firm Freeform Dynamics told IT PRO that Hyper-V was an eagerly awaited, key component upon the launch of the Windows Server 2008 last week.

"Most customers are demanding more development around virtualisation and better support for heterogeneous environment," he said.

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