Virtual Server makes use of industry-standard technologies and protocols to handle common management tasks. VM configurations are stored in XML files, and server monitoring and configuration is done through a Web browser–based interface, whereas some competitive products require their own remote client executable file. Because of these advantages, it is often easier to integrate the management of the Virtual Server 2005 solution into existing IT environments.
Virtual Server supports a full-featured Component Object Model (COM) scripting model that allows scripts to control every aspect of the product, resulting in greater ease of customization and automation. Because the scripting model is based on COM, users are not tied to a specific scripting language and can choose from the Microsoft Visual Basic® development system, C#, Perl, Java, and most other modern development languages. Furthermore, scripts can be “triggered” by certain events within Virtual Server.
Virtual Server is a Windows-based solution, which can result in lower costs, better return on investment, and faster deployment. The host operating system is already familiar to administrators, and little additional training is required to implement Virtual Server 2005.
Seamless Migration Path to Windows Server Virtualization
Deploying Windows Vista Enterprise Centralized Desktop on Virtual Server 2005 R2 offers a seamless migration path to Windows Server Virtualization (formerly code-named “Viridian”). A core feature of the Windows Server code name “Longhorn” operating system, Windows Server Virtualization will include:
Support for multiprocessor VMs
Support for 32-bit and 64-bit VMs
Live movement of running VMs from one physical host to another
Support for “large” memory—at least 32 GB per VM
The ability to add RAM or processors to VMs while they are running
Improved host-clustering support
Conclusion
By providing a centralized desktop environment, Windows Vista Enterprise Centralized Desktop enables enterprises to realize significant benefits in the areas of productivity, total cost of ownership, and security, yet provide end users with the full Windows desktop experience. A deployment of Windows Vista Enterprise Centralized Desktop on Virtual Server 2005 and other Microsoft technologies can help customers to maximize those benefits because it provides a complete solution that integrates well with existing IT infrastructures and technology investments, is easy to manage and support, and offers a minimal total cost of ownership.
For More Information
For more information about Windows Vista Enterprise Centralized Desktop, Virtual Server, and the other technologies and topics presented in this paper, please contact your Microsoft account team or visit the following Web sites:
Windows Vista Enterprise Centralized Desktop
www.windowsvista.com/enterprise
Virtual Server 2005 R2
www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/virtualserver/default.mspx
SoftGrid Application Virtualization
www.softricity.com
Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack for Software Assurance
www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/optimizeddesktop.mspx
Windows Server 2003 Terminal Services
www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/technologies/terminalservices
/default.mspx
System Center Virtual Machine Manager
www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/scvmm/default.mspx
Systems Management Server
www.microsoft.com/smserver/default.mspx
Microsoft Operations Manager
www.microsoft.com/mom/default.mspx
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