Tag: hyperV

Categories
Microsoft Tools Virtualization

Download Linux Integration Services v2.1 for Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V R2

The Microsoft Virtualization team announced the availability of the Hyper-V Linux Integration Services for Linux Version 2.1. This release marks yet another milestone in providing a comprehensive virtualization. They have supported Linux as a guest operating system on the virtualization platform from the days of Virtual Server and continue to enhance the support in that regard.

The following features are included in the 2.1 release:

  • Driver support for synthetic devices: Linux Integration Services supports the synthetic network controller and the synthetic storage controller that were developed specifically for Hyper-V.
  • Fastpath Boot Support for Hyper-V: Boot devices take advantage of the block Virtualization Service Client (VSC) to provide enhanced performance.
  • Timesync: The clock inside the virtual machine will remain synchronized with the clock on the host.
  • Integrated Shutdown: Virtual machines running Linux can be gracefully shut down from either Hyper-V Manager or System Center Virtual Machine Manager.
  • Symmetric Multi-Processing (SMP) Support: Supported Linux distributions can use up to 4 virtual processors (VP) per virtual machine.
  • Heartbeat: Allows the host to detect whether the guest is running and responsive.
  • Pluggable Time Source: A pluggable clock source module is included to provide a more accurate time source to the guest.

Download the Linux Integration Services v2.1 for Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V R2 here

This version of the integration services for Hyper-V supports Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 SP3, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.2 / 5.3 / 5.4 / 5.5.

For support questions, please utilize the Linux Integration Services forum here: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/linuxintegrationservices/threads

Categories
General Microsoft Windows Installer, Application Compatibility and Deployments

Windows Server 2008 R2 Feature Components and Hyper-V Architecture – Poster

Windows Server 2008 R2 Feature Components – This poster provides a visual reference for understanding key technologies in Windows Server 2008 R2. It focuses on Active Directory Domain Services, Hyper-V, Internet Information Services, Remote Desktop Services (including Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)), BranchCache, and DirectAccess technologies. In addition, updates to core file services and server management are illustrated.

Download the Windows Server 2008 R2 Feature Components Poster Here [pdf  document]

Hyper-V Component Architecture – The Hyper-V poster is a great visual tool to help in the understanding of the key features and components. It highlights key Hyper-V components including, Architecture, Virtual Networking, Virtual Machine Snapshots, Live Migration, Storage Interfaces, Storage Types, Storage Location and Paths, & Import and Export.

Download the Hyper-V ComponentArchitecture Poster here [pdf  document]

This large-format poster provides practical visual depictions of the Windows Hypervisor, live migration process, cluster shared volumes architecture, VMQ data paths, disk storage I/O path, and much more.

Categories
Microsoft Tools Virtualization

Virtual Machine Servicing Tool v3 – Join the Beta Program

VMST 3.0 helps customers reduce IT costs by making it easier to update their offline virtual machines, templates and virtual hard disks with the latest operating system and application patches—without introducing vulnerabilities into their IT infrastructure. Using VMST 3.0, customers can also keep users productive during updates and maintenance of physical hosts: VMST 3.0 now automates the servicing of Windows Server 2008 R2 failover clusters running Hyper-V—leveraging live migration.

Virtual Machine Servicing Tool 3.0VMST 3.0 helps customers more effectively—and safely—manage the workflow of updating their offline virtualization environment. Using VMST 3.0, customers can now service:

  • Offline virtual machines in a SCVMM library.
  • Stopped and saved state virtual machines on a host.
  • Virtual machine templates.
  • Offline virtual hard disks in a SCVMM library by injecting update packages.
  • Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V host clusters.

The Virtual Machine Servicing Tool 3.0 is now in beta until May. Want to give you an advance look at VMST 3.0, and a chance to provide feedback so it best meets their needs?  Join the beta program!  Here’s the link.

On 11th May, TechNet is also doing a Webcast on Understanding the Microsoft Offline Virtual Machine Servicing Tool. You can Register for the same!

You would be also interested in reading –

  1. Free Ebook – Understanding Microsoft Virtualization R2 Solutions from Microsoft Press
  2. Work with Virtual Hard disk(.vhd) files in Windows 7
Categories
Microsoft Virtualization

Download the Shortcut Guide to Architecting iSCSI Storage for Microsoft Hyper-V

Hyper-V presents a cost-effective and easily-implemented virtualization solution. When coupled with a strong iSCSI storage architecture, the combination provides the highest levels of redundancy, availability, and performance.

Implementing Hyper-V with iSCSI StorageIn The Shortcut Guide to Architecting iSCSI Storage for Microsoft Hyper-V, author and IT expert Greg Shields outlines how iSCSI is a perfect fit for the dynamic nature of virtualization. This book digs deep into the decisions that environments large and small must consider. It looks at best practices for Hyper-V storage topologies and technologies, as well as cost and manageability implications for the solutions available on the market today.

Chapters in this Realtime book include:

  • Chapter 1: The Power of iSCSI in Microsoft Virtualization
  • Chapter 2: Creating Highly-Available Hyper-V
  • Chapter 3: Critical Storage Capabilities for Highly-Available Hyper-V
  • Chapter 4: The Role of Storage in Hyper-V Disaster Recovery

Download the Architecting iSCSI Storage for Microsoft Hyper-V ebook here

Note: You will need to create a profile in Realtime Nexus (The Digital Library) when you click the above link.

Courtesy: Realtime Nexus Alerts

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