Microsoft Hyper-V

Hyper-V creates a virtualization layer above which multiple partitions can be run. The Parent partition (which currently must be Windows Server 2008) runs the hypervisor layer and allows for the creation and management of "child" partitions.

Administrators can create many child partitions, based on available system resources. Each child partition can then run its own independent, isolated operating system, often referred to as a "guest OS".

In addition to the systems requirement for Windows Server 2008, the two key requirements for the Hyper-V platform are the need to ensure that the server is a 64-bit environment and supports hardware-assisted virtualization (Intel VT or AMD-V) technology.

Microsoft originally bundled beta versions of Hyper-V with Windows Server 2008 under the codename Viridian, which was also known as Windows Server Virtualization (WSv). Both of these names are now obsolete, and the final technology is known only as Hyper-V.

Read more about Microsoft Hyper-V: - SearchServerVirtualization created a Hyper-V Learning Guide that includes installation instructions and advice on configuration and management. - Microsoft.com hosts the Hyper-V homepage, including a link to download the software. - Ben Armstrong has posted a helpful list of Hyper-V terminology at the Virtual PC Guy's Weblog..

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