Users Guide

Solutions Overview Guide 5
Microsoft
®
Windows Server™ 2008 Hyper-V™
Hyper-V is the hypervisor-based virtualization technology from Microsoft that
is integrated into all Dell supported Windows Server 2008 x64 Editions
operating system. As a virtualization solution, Hyper-V allows a user to take
maximum advantage of server hardware by providing the capability to run
multiple operating systems (on virtual machines) on a single physical server.
Windows Server 2008 introduces the concept of roles within the operating
system. Typically, a single server operating system instance is meant for a
specific task and a role defines the personality that the server will assume.
The roles available in Windows Server 2008 include File Server, Active
Directory, DHCP, DNS, Web IIS, etc. Hyper-V is implemented as a role in
Windows Server 2008.
NOTE: To ensure the best performance and reliability, it is strongly recommended
that Hyper-V role is the only role enabled.
The integration of Hyper-V as a role in Windows Server 2008 x64 offers
several key advantages:
• With Hyper-V integrated into the Windows Server 2008 operating system,
it is easy to leverage the benefits of virtualization without adopting a new
technology
• The new 64-bit micro-kernelized hypervisor architecture leverages device
driver support in Windows Server 2008 parent partition to extend support
to a broad array of Dell servers, storage, and devices
• Dell OpenManage™ support in the Windows Server 2008 Parent Partition
for physical server management
• Support for Symmetric Multiprocessors (SMP) in virtual machines
• Offers Virtual Machine High Availability to minimize unplanned
downtime
• “Quick Migration” capability to support business continuity during
planned downtime
• Robust backup capability with native support for VSS-based backup
• Easy extensibility using the standards based Windows Management
Instrumentation (WMI) interfaces and APIs
This Solutions Overview Guide highlights Dell value propositions and
provides an overview of Hyper-V, information on Dell hardware support for
Hyper-V, and guidance on best practice information to implement Hyper-V in
your environment.