Hyper-V is a new feature incorporated into Windows Server 2008 that provides the technology to build and manage an advanced virtualized server system. Hyper-V allows virtual machines to utilize unprecedented amounts of memory, high-powered multi-core processors, dynamic storage systems, and the latest high-speed network connectivity. With integrated tools for managing hardware and virtual resources, Hyper-V cuts the time required to configure hardware and software and replicate computing environments. Hyper-V offers advantages over Microsoft's Virtual Server 2005 by allowing the management of 32-bit and 64-bit virtual machines at the same time.
Hyper-V is hardware dependent and requires specific components:
- An x64-based CPU
- The x64-based versions of Windows Server 2008 Standard, Windows Server 2008 Enterprise, or Windows Server 2008 Datacenter
- Hardware-assisted virtualization, available with processors that support Intel VT or AMD Virtualization (AMD-V) technology
- Hardware Data Execution Protection must be enabled
Architecture of Hyper-V
Hyper-V's microkernelized hypervisor-based architecture provides a safer, more robust platform for managing virtual machines. The small-footprint hypervisor contains no drivers, which are instead hosted in the parent partition. Combined with the new IO sharing model, the Hyper-V architecture offers better protection than Microsoft's previous virtualization solutions.
Hyper-V allows you to take advantage of a new and enhanced feature set such as support for symmetric multiprocessing (SMP), dynamic storage solutions, support for up to 64 GB of memory per virtual machine, and the option for a minimal Server Core installation.
Hyper-V provides consolidation of a variety services which can be demanding on processing resources, such as Microsoft SQL Server. Hyper-V also supports third-party applications designed for previous versions of Windows or for Linux. As with all mainstream virtualization solutions, Hyper-V saves money by reducing the cost of server hardware and the costs of HVAC, utility bills, office space, and maintenance. Hyper-V also improves network availability, expandability, protection, and versatility.
Virtual machines powered by Hyper-V can utilize the security and capacity advancements offered by advanced server hardware. Server software designed for other operating systems such as Linux can run on the same hardware as Windows software and benefit from integrated, centralized management based-on Microsoft's familiar tools. This makes Hyper-V an economical alternative to setting up separate servers and managing them with diverse management utilities.
New Features of Hyper-V Server Virtualization Technology
Hyper-V incorporates an array of new and enhanced features engineered to improve network reliability, scalability, security, and flexibility. These features include:
- 64-bit native hypervisor-based virtualization
- Ability to run 32-bit and 64-bit virtual machines concurrently
- Uniprocessor and multiprocessor virtual machines
- Virtual machine snapshots, which capture the state of a running virtual machine. Snapshots record system state, so you can revert the virtual machine to a previous state.
- Integration of Virtual machine snapshot with Volume Shadow Copy Service
- Virtual LAN support
- Microsoft Management Console 3.0 management utility
- Windows Management Instrumentation interfaces for scripting
- Support for up to four virtual processors
- Support for 64 GB of RAM per virtual machine
- New efficient I/O architecture
- Support for Server Clustering and Network Load Balancing
- Microkernelized hypervisor architecture
- Minimal Server Core installation for improved security
- Granular VM management permissions, role-based security through Active Directory integration, and Authorization Manager
- Quick Migration and Cluster services
- Support for a variety of guest operating systems
- Support for all WHQL-certified drivers
Hyper-V supports popular virtualization applications including consolidating production servers, streamlining business continuity and disaster recovery procedures, developing and validating software, and creating more versatile datacenters. Hyper-V delivers expandability and performance with features such as guest multi-processing support and 64-bit guest and host support. Hyper-V's hypervisor architecture enhances dependability and security. By allowing fast migration of virtual machines from one physical host to another, Hyper-V saves management time and support costs. Hyper-V's integration with Microsoft's System Center Virtual Machine Manager unifies the administration of a virtualized environment.
How Progent Can Help You Benefit from Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V Virtualization
Progent's Microsoft-certified consultants can help you analyze the potential benefits of Hyper-V-powered virtualization for your business, perform pilot installations to test Hyper-V's operation with your production applications, evaluate your network and server infrastructure for optimal performance with virtualization technology, assist you in migrating to Windows Server 2008 and configuring Hyper-V, train your IT staff to monitor and manage Hyper-V, provide expert consulting support for enhancing the security of your virtual servers, establish and validate business continuity and disaster recovery procedures that maximize network availability, and provide ongoing consulting and technical support including low-cost remote troubleshooting and comprehensive Help Desk services.
To find out more about how Progent's virtual server consulting professionals can help you with Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V technology, call Progent at 800-993-9400 or send email to server-management-help@progent.com.
