Virtual Server 2005
Virtual Server 2005 is in the release candidate development stage. Virtual Server allows you to run multiple x86-based operating systems concurrently on a single physical server.
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.