May, 2003 : Microsoft Releases Beta Virtual Server: Reports

📅 May 5, 2003 - According to reports, Microsoft has released a customer preview of Virtual Server, its recently acquired server virtualization technology. The software has been in beta testing for 60 days.

In February, Microsoft (microsoft.com) acquired assets of Connectix Corporation (connectix.com), a leading developer of virtual machine technology. At the time of the acquisition, Connectix was still beta testing Virtual Server. Its development team has now joined the Microsoft team in Redmond, Washington and Microsoft anticipates that a beta version of Virtual Server will be available later this year.
The new server virtualization technology will enable customers to run multiple platforms - including Windows 2000 Server, Linux and Unix ? on a single physical server. Microsoft anticipates that the software will allow Windows customers to run fewer servers, and allow applications to be isolated from each other. This will make it possible to achieve higher hardware utilization and reduce overall system administration and management, Microsoft reports. The company says the economic benefits will come from reduced capital expenses in the form of savings on overhead such as power, cooling and space.