Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V and MAP 3.1

The next generation hypervisor-based server virtualization technology for Windows Server 2008 is here. Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V is now released to manufacturing (RTM) and is available for deployment into production environments. You can download the Hyper-V role update here.

With Hyper-V you can consolidate workloads of underutilized server machines onto a smaller number of fully utilized machines. Fewer physical machines can lead to reduced costs through lower hardware, energy, and management overhead. The thin microkernel hypervisor architecture with integrated management tools allows you to manage both physical and virtual resources. Hyper-V easily plugs into your IT infrastructure to leverage your existing patching, provisioning, management, support tools, and processes. See how Microsoft goes about identifying server candidates for virtualization.

Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit 3.1  is also released to manufacturing. The Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Solution Accelerator is a tool that makes it easy for you to assess your current IT infrastructure for a variety of technology migration projects. It includes the features previously provided with the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment Solution Accelerator. Check out the newly revised MAP Overview.