| Windows Server Virtualization is a means for | | | | |
| running virtual 64-bit versions of Windows | | | | There are other features as well. WSV 2008 |
| Virtual Server. By running a virtualized | | | | offers support not only for Windows Server, |
| version of a server, WSV 2008 and similar | | | | but for a variety of other operating systems |
| programs make it simple to run multiple | | | | and platforms, allowing customization |
| versions of an operating system on a single | | | | according to a customers needs. Some |
| machine. Essentially, an administrator | | | | customers prefer a Linux based server, and |
| running a virtual server creates multiple | | | | with Windows Server Virtualization it is easy |
| sections on the machine and runs a copy of | | | | to provide it. All that needs to be added is |
| the operating system of their choice within | | | | a new partition, and the customer's |
| in each piece. | | | | preferences can be fulfilled with the |
| | | | hardware you already have. There is no need |
| Each section, or partition, is an emulated | | | | to purchase new machines, and all of the |
| copy of the entire machine, duplicating the | | | | hardware is more flexible. |
| effect of devices attached to the computer. | | | | |
| As far as the virtualized server can tell, it | | | | Two more features make Windows Server |
| is the only operating system running on the | | | | Virtualization a good choice. The new 2008 |
| machine. This is extraordinarily useful to | | | | version offers the ability for running |
| network administrators who want multiple, | | | | snapshots, allowing network administrators |
| dedicated-like servers for their customers, | | | | the power to copy the server exactly as it is |
| but not at the cost of an entirely new | | | | while it is still running. Downtime is |
| machine. It's also far more economical for | | | | minimized, since backing up the server no |
| the consumer, as well, since multiple people | | | | longer requires that the server be taken |
| are sharing the cost of upkeep for a single | | | | offline, and it is simple to bring it back up |
| machine. Virtual machines can also be used | | | | if there is a problem. WSV 2008 is also |
| for trying changes to a website before going | | | | incredibly scalable. It now offers support |
| live; WSV 2008 and similar programs allow for | | | | for multiple processors and cores, among |
| testing a new version in a safe environment | | | | other things, allowing a single powerful |
| to ensure it is running correctly before | | | | machine to host a large number of virtual |
| actually putting the site online. | | | | servers. |
| | | | |
| There are a several options when choosing a | | | | Whatever your specific needs Windows Server |
| virtual server program, but Windows Server | | | | Virtualization is an excellent choice. It |
| Virtualization is one that stands out. Unlike | | | | allows increased scalability, supports |
| many other virtual servers, WSV 2008 allows | | | | multiple operating systems, allows running |
| the virtualization of both 32 and 64-bit | | | | snapshots, and enhances the value of your |
| systems, allowing it to run and simulate a | | | | hardware. WSV 2008 allows virtualization of |
| broader range of software. Windows Server | | | | an entire server, enabling you to run |
| Virtualization also allows the migration of a | | | | multiple copies on a single machine. You |
| virtualized server over to a dedicated | | | | save money and get more value from your |
| machine; when surges in traffic occur, | | | | hardware. The new 64-bit support only |
| network administrators can quickly move the | | | | enhances this, offering the possibility of |
| affected site to a machine with more | | | | ever more powerful machines, and even more |
| capability. | | | | virtualization. |