Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 is the server virtualization technology engineered for the Windows Server platform.

As a key part of any server consolidation strategy, Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 increases hardware utilization and enables IT staff to rapidly configure and deploy new servers.

Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 is an ideal, production-quality server for consolidating multiple workloads onto a physical server, allowing organizations to make more efficient use of their hardware resources.

Built upon Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 Enterprise Edition and bolstered with new functionality, Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 enables IT organizations to enhance their administrative productivity and rapidly deploy new servers to address changing business needs through automated deployment and configuration of connected virtual machines that are easily administered with standard server management tools.

Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 now provides improved performance for non-Windows guest operating systems by leveraging hardware-assisted virtualization, high availability for both planned and unplanned downtime, and improved support for backup and disaster recovery. Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 is a well supported and extensively tested virtualization solution which is supported both by the broader ISV community and by Microsoft in conjunction with its server operating systems and applications.

Because it is part of the Microsoft Windows Server System, Virtual Server 2005 R2 is designed to integrate seamlessly with your other server infrastructure investments.

And when you download the free software, you're automatically registered to receive valuable resources delivered at strategic intervals as you familiarize yourself with the product.


Virtual Machine Additions for Linux are designed to improve the usability and interoperability of running qualified Linux operating systems as guests or virtual machines of Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1.

Now with support for SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 10

Microsoft is committed to testing and supporting many third-party operating systems for use as guest operating systems on Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 virtual machines.

To help make sure that you have a favorable experience when you run third-party guest operating systems in Virtual Server 2005, Microsoft Product Support Services (PSS) has created a product support model for these third-party guest operating systems.

This support model is consistent with the support model that is used for Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1. Product support for the Virtual Machine Additions will be provided through the normal support channels available for Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1.

Virtual Machine Additions information
To improve the interoperability between virtual machines running Linux guest operating systems and Virtual Server 2005 R2, Virtual Machine Additions are available for Linux guest operating systems. You can install these Virtual Machine Additions components in your Linux guest operating systems to improve the following operating system capabilities:
· Guest and host synchronization for time synchronization, for heartbeat generation, and for coordinated shutdown operations
· Mouse driver
· Display driver
· SCSI hard disk emulation


Requirements:

· Minimum CPU Speed: 550 MHz
· Number of Processors: All physical processors supported by the host operating system.
· Recommended CPU Speed: 1.0 GHz or higher
· Processor Information: Intel Celeron, Pentium III, Pentium 4, Xeon; AMD Opteron, Athlon, Athlon 64, Athlon X2, Sempron, Duron Core DUO, Duron Core 2 DUO processor
· Minimum RAM: 256 MB (additional memory needed for each guest operating system)
· Required Available Hard-disk Space: 2 GB (additional disk space needed for each guest operating system)
· Recommended Monitor: Super VGA (800×600) or higher resolution monitor recommended; VGA or hardware that supports console redirection required
· Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device, or hardware that supports console redirection required


Note: By registering for the Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 software, you will receive a limited number of email communications from Microsoft during the first six-month period to enhance your evaluation experience.