Hyper-V Introduction
With Hyper-V, the Microsoft hypervisor-based server virtualisation technology, plus flexible licensing policies, it's now easier than ever to take advantage of the cost savings of virtualisation through Windows Server 2008 R2.
This enables you to make the best use of your server hardware investments by consolidating multiple server roles as separate virtual machines (VMs) running on a single physical machine and also efficiently run multiple different operating systems-Windows, Linux, and others-in parallel, on a single server, and fully leverage the power of x64 computing.
To request more information about Microsoft Hyper-V or any other Microsoft products please call your account manager on 01246 200200 or email : enquiry@ccsmedia.com
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What's new in Hyper-V in Windows Server 2008 R2
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Beginning with Windows Server 2008, server virtualisation using
Microsoft Hyper-V technology has been an integral part of the operating system. Windows Server 2008 R2 introduces a new version of Hyper-V.
Microsoft Hyper-V includes five core areas of improvement for creating dynamic virtual data centres:
- Increased availability for virtualised data centres
- Improved management of virtualised data centres
- Increased Performance and Hardware Support for Hyper-V Virtual Machines
- Improved Virtual Networking Performance
- A simplified method for physical and virtual computer deployments by using .vhd files
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Increased Availability for Virtual Data
Centres
One of the most important aspects of any data canter is providing the highest possible availability for systems and applications. Virtual data centres are no exception to the need for consolidation, high availability and most of all sophisticated management tools.
Hyper-V in Windows Server 2008 R2 includes the much-anticipated Live Migration feature, which allows you to move a virtual machine between two virtualisation host servers without any interruption of service. The users connected to the virtual machine being moved might notice only a slight slowing in performance for a few moments. Otherwise, they will be unaware that the virtual machine was moved from one physical computer to another.
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Improved Management of Virtual Data Centres
Even with all the efficiency gained from virtualisation, virtual machines created with Hyper-V still need to be managed. The number of virtual machines tends to proliferate much faster than physical computers because machines typically do not require a hardware acquisition. Therefore, management of virtual data centres is even more imperative than ever before.
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Increased Performance and Hardware Support for
Microsoft Hyper-V Virtual Machines
- Hyper-V in Windows Server 2008 R2 now supports up to 64 logical processors in the host processor pool. This is a significant upgrade from previous versions and allows not only greater VM density per host, but also gives IT administrators more flexibility in assigning CPU resources to VMs.
- Also new, Hyper-V processor compatibility mode for Live Migration allows Live Migration across different CPU versions within the same processor family, (e.g."Intel Core 2-to-Intel Pentium 4" or "AMD Opteron-to-AMD Athlon") enabling migration across a broader range of server host hardware.
- The new Hyper-V also adds performance enhancements that increase virtual machine performance and power consumption. Hyper-V now supports Second Level Address Translation (SLAT), which uses new features on today's CPUs to improve VM performance while reducing processing load on the Windows Hypervisor and new Hyper-V VMs will also consume less power by virtue of the new Core Parking feature implemented into Windows Server 2008 R2.
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Improved Virtual Networking Performance
The new Hyper-V leverages several new networking technologies contained in Windows Server 2008 R2 to improve overall VM networking performance. Two key examples are the new VM Chimney (also called TCP Offload) and the use of Jumbo Frames.
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Simplified Method for Physical and Virtual Computer Deployments
Historically, different methods have been used to deploy operating systems and applications to physical and virtual computers. For virtual computers, the .vhd file format has become a de facto standard for deploying and interchanging preconfigured operating systems and applications. Hyper-V in Windows Server 2008 R2 supports two important updates concerning .vhd files.
First, administrators can now add and remove vhd files, as well as pass-through disks attached to a virtual SCSI controller on a running VM, without requiring a reboot. This offers more flexibility when it comes to handling storage growth needs without requiring additional downtime. It also provides more flexibility in data centre backup scenarios as well as new scenarios in complex Exchange and SQL Server deployments.
Windows Server 2008 R2 with Hyper-V also supports the ability to boot a computer from a .vhd file stored on a local hard disk. This allows you to use preconfigured .vhd files for deploying virtual and physical computers. This helps reduce the number of images you need to manage and provides an easier method for test deployment prior to deployment in your production environment.
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Licensing for Virtual Environments
Microsoft offers a comprehensive set of virtualisation products from
the data centre to the desktop for managing both physical and
virtual assets from a single platform. Virtualisation helps
organisations lower costs, improve business continuity, and enable
greater business agility.
Microsoft's Hyper-V licensing for virtualisation environments
supports the flexible ways you can deploy Microsoft solutions.
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| Virtualisation Needs |
Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 |
Windows Server 2008 Standard |
Windows Server 2008 Enterprise |
Windows Server 2008 Datacentre |
| Server Consolidation |
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| Test and Development |
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| Mixed OS Virtualization (Linux and Windows) |
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| Local Graphical User Interface |
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| High Availability-Clustering |
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| Quick Migration |
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| Large Memory Support (Host OS) > 32 GB RAM |
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| Support for > 4 Processors (Host OS) |
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| Ability to Add Additional Server Roles |
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| Guest Virtualization Rights Included in Host Server License |
Guest Virtualization Rights Included in Host Server License
None-Each Windows Guest VM Requires a License |
1 Physical + 1 VM*
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Physical + 4 VMs* |
1 Physical + Unlimited VMs (Free) |
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| * Each additional Windows guest VM requires a license. |
Test drive Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V
The Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V test drive allows you to try the latest release from Microsoft instantly. By simply logging onto the Microsoft test-drive environment using your Web browser, you will be able to experience Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V first hand. You can explore the product on your own, or follow along with a number of guided exercises and videos.
Test drive demonstrations are simple no complex setup or installation is required to try out 10-15 minute activities within Windows Server 2008, running in the full-featured virtual lab. Plus you can also walk through step-by-step using the training videos. Please click here.
To download Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V trial software please click here.
For more information
about Hyper-V or you want to know the benefits of Hyper-V vs VMware please call 01246 246046 or email: services@ccsmedia.com |
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