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Microsoft Virtual Server is the
cost-effective server virtualization technology engineered for
the Windows Server System platform. As a key part of any server
consolidation strategy, Virtual Server increases hardware
utilization and enables organizations to rapidly configure and
deploy new servers.
In conjunction with Windows Server, Virtual Server
provides a virtualization platform that runs most major x86
operating systems in a guest environment, and is supported by
Microsoft as a host for Windows Server operating systems and
Windows Server System applications. Virtual Server's
comprehensive COM API, in combination with the Virtual Hard
Drive (VHD) format and support for virtual networking, provide
administrators complete scripted control of portable, connected
virtual machines and enable easy automation of deployment, and
ongoing change and configuration.
Virtual Server addresses four key customer scenarios:
• Consolidate infrastructure,
application, and branch office server workloads. Virtual Server
is ideal for server consolidation in both the datacenter
and the branch office, allowing organizations to make more
efficient use of their hardware resources. It also allows IT
organizations to enhance their overall productivity and rapidly
deploy new servers to address changing business needs.
• Consolidate and re-host legacy
applications. Virtual Server enables re-hosting of legacy
operating systems (Windows NT Server 4.0 and Windows 2000
Server) and their associated custom applications from older
hardware to new hardware running Windows Server 2003.
• Automate and consolidate software
test and development environments. Virtual Server
enables businesses to consolidate their test and development
server farm and automate the provisioning of virtual machines.
• Simplify disaster and recovery
planning. Virtual Server can be used as part of a disaster
and recovery plan that requires application portability and
flexibility across hardware platforms. |