Microsoft has started a testing program for its Virtual
Server 2004, a software product which allows users to run different
operating systems on a single hardware server.
The product has been made available to a select set of customers
in a private beta.
One use of the server product that Microsoft has promoted is to
help users migrate from Windows NT 4.0 to Windows Server 2003, the
latest version of its server operating system. With Virtual Server,
users will be able to run NT 4.0 on Windows Server 2003 and
continue using applications developed for that older operating
system.
Another use is to help customers migrate legacy applications and
assist in consolidating applications onto fewer servers.
Virtual Server is scheduled to ship in the first half of the
year, a slight delay from the original plan to release the product
in the final quarter of 2003. Pricing has yet to be announced.
Microsoft acquired Virtual Server along with two desktop
virtualisation products in February last year from Connectix. Since
the Connectix technology acquisition, Microsoft put Virtual Server
through a security review and has added new features and
functionality, the company said. Virtual PC 2004 and Virtual PC for
Mac were released last year.
Joris Evers writes for IDG News Service