It looks like Microsoft's Virtual Server 2005 R2 product is about to get its very own service pack. Currently in beta, the Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 is now available for download. The free service pack will add support for hardware-assisted virtualization leveraging the capabilities developed by AMD and Intel, improved backup services, and more. By supporting both AMD Virtualization and Intel Virtualization Technology, the product will offer improved performance for non-Windows guest operating systems and provide better interoperability.

Virtual Server 2005 R2 Service Pack 1 Beta 1, available now, includes:

• Support for Intel Virtualization Technology
• Virtual Server's host clustering step-by-step guide

Virtual Server 2005 R2 Service Pack 1 Beta 2, scheduled for Q4, includes Beta 1 features plus:

• Support for AMD Virtualization
• Volume Shadow Service support
• Active Directory integration
• and Expanded OS support

Beta 1 download is available with a Microsoft Connect account. Login and select the Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 Beta program from the list of available programs that appear here.

Posted by David Marshall on April 29, 2006 04:37 PM