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December 14, 2007

Yesterday, Microsoft delivered the public beta of its hypervisor-based server virtualization technology, called Hyper-V.

Now, Microsoft's customers and partners can try the software - originally expected to reach beta early next year - by simply downloading Windows Server 2008 RC-1 Enterprise edition with the beta version of Hyper-V.

Microsoft's new Server 2008 beta can be used to test applications and plan future consolidation, business continuity and high-availability projects, the company said.

The beta version of the software is available for download at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/audsel.mspx.

Bill Laing, general manager of Microsoft's Windows Server division said "delivering the high-quality Hyper-V beta earlier than expected allows our customers and partners to begin evaluating this new feature of Windows Server 2008, and at the same time it will provide us with valuable feedback as we move forward to the final release."

Laing added "along with Hyper-V, Windows Server 2008 offers cost-effective and flexible licensing for server virtualization enabling customers and partners to extend the savings realized through consolidation, while delivering on the vision of Dynamic IT."

The final version of Hyper-V is expected to land within 180 days of the release to manufacturing of Windows Server 2008, according to the company.

Microsoft's beta for Windows Server 2008 is currently available for the x-64 Enterprise Edition in English.

The package includes features not included in the September 2007 Community Technology Preview of Hyper-V, including quick migration, high availability, server core role and overall Server Manager integration.

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Source: The WHIR