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Q1: What is Virtual Server 2005?
Virtual machine technology enables customers to run multiple operating systems concurrently on a single physical server.
Virtual Server 2005 is the most cost-effective virtual machine solution for Microsoft Windows Server 2003.
Virtual Server 2005 has been designed to increase operational efficiency in software test and development, legacy application migration, and server consolidation scenarios.
Q2: What is VM technology?
VM stands for virtual machine technology and applies to both server and client hardware.
VM technology allows multiple operating systems to run concurrently on a single machine.
In particular, the Virtual PC for Windows and Virtual Server products, developed by Connectix, allow one or more legacy operating systems to run on the same computer system as the current Windows operating system. Today, many older x 86-based operating systems are supported by Virtual PC and Virtual Server.
Virtual PC for Mac allows for one or more other operating systems to run the Macintosh operating system, allowing users to run a Windows operating system and Windows applications on a Mac.
Q3: What are the potential uses of this technology?
VM technology serves a variety of purposes. It enables hardware consolidation, because multiple operating systems can run on one computer. Key applications for VM technology include cross-platform integration as well as the following:
• Legacy application migration. Legacy operating systems and applications can run on new hardware along with more recent operating systems and applications.
• Server consolidation. If several servers run applications that consume only a fraction of the available resources, VM technology can be used to enable them to run side by side on a single server, even if they require different versions of the operating system or middleware.
• Isolation for development, testing and technical support. Each VM acts as a separate environment, which reduces risk and enables developers to quickly recreate different operating system configurations or compare versions of applications designed for different operating systems. In addition, a developer can test an early version of an application in a VM without fear of destabilizing the system for other users.
• Software demonstrations: VM technology allows users to recreate a clean operating system environment or system configuration quickly.
• Courseware delivery and training. Organizations can configure and deploy a variety of training scenarios quickly.
• Software distribution. IT groups can deliver prevalidated configurations for complex software solutions for fast deployment.
Q4: What are the changes and new features Microsoft has made to Virtual Server since its acquisition from Connectix?
Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 has undergone a thorough security analysis to ensure that the product meets Microsoft security requirements. Today, some of the features and functionality in Virtual Server 2005 include:
• SCSI support and 2-node clustering.
• Improved control through an enhanced COM API.
• Integration with the Microsoft management infrastructure technologies, such as Microsoft Operations Manager and Active Directory.
Q5: Are there different versions of Virtual Server 2005?
Yes. Microsoft offers two versions:
Virtual Server 2005, Standard Edition, and Virtual Server 2005, Enterprise Edition. They differ only in scalability as follows:
• Virtual Server 2005, Standard Edition, supports up to 4 processors.
• Virtual Server 2005, Enterprise Edition, supports up to 32 physical processors.
The versions are the same in all other respects and include the same features.
Q6: Does Virtual Server 2005 support 64-bit processors?
The final version of Virtual Server 2005 will require a 32-bit host operating system.
Virtual Server will run on x64-based hardware provided it is running a 32-bit version of Windows as the host operating system.
Support for 64-bit host operating systems is being investigated for a future version.
Q7: Are Virtual Server 2005 virtual machines compatible with non–Microsoft operating systems?
Yes, Virtual Server 2005 supports a broad range of x86-based operating systems with virtual machines; however, Virtual Server is optimized for Windows Server 2003, Windows 2000 Server, and Windows NT 4.0 Server.
Q8: Is there a limit on the number of virtual machines?
Yes, 64.
Q9: What tools will be available to migrate and manage virtual machines?
The Microsoft Virtual Server Migration Toolkit (VSMT) will facilitate the creation of virtual machines from physical machines. Beta copies of VSMT will be available in early July 2004.
Also, Microsoft will be delivering a management pack to support Virtual Server 2005 later in 2004.
Q10: What is the availability and price of Virtual Server 2005?
Virtual Server 2005 is currently in its release candidate development stage.
Microsoft will be completing final product development, testing, and certification so that the product will be available later in 2004.
However, you can register today to download the Virtual Server 2005 Release Candidate at no cost. See the Virtual Server 2005 Release Candidate page on www.microsoft.com.
Pricing will be announced later in the summer of 2004.
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