Windows Server 2008 includes the Hyper-V role which is a hypervisor that enables server virtualization. This new virtualization hypervisor enables a Windows Server 2008 system to host many VMs or child partitions that run directly on the hypervisor layer. Hyper-V servers and VMs can be centrally managed by System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM) to enable centralized management and advanced features. Please visit the DellTechCenter Hyper-V page for more information and links to additional resources. Here are some highlighted TechCenter demo videos with Hyper-V and System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM).

Hyper-V and SCVMM Videos

Hyper-V and SCVMM Cloning	Using SCVMM to Manage VMware	SCVMM with PRO Packs

Microsoft Virtual Server 2005

Microsoft also offers Virtual Server 2005 which runs as an application on top of Windows to provide server virtualization. Virtual Server offers a low cost (no additional license fee) way to do virtualization on the Windows platform. It is similar to VMware's VMware Server (which also has no license fee and runs on top of Windows) in that it does not have some of the advanced features of VMware ESX server.

Microsoft SoftGrid Application Virtualization

SoftGrid application virtualization is another Microsoft virtualization product that allows for individual applications to be virtualized and deployed without concern for application specific requirements and prequisites.