Microsoft will formally launch its long-awaited Virtual Server 2005 early next week, sources said.

The virtualization software, which Microsoft acquired from the former Connectix in February 2003, runs on Windows Server 2003 only but supports Windows NT and Windows 2000 workloads. It will compete with EMC's VMware and SW-Soft's Virtuozzo, which allow for server consolidation and simplified management of applications.

Microsoft released the beta version last February and Release Candidate 1 in June. Originally, the Redmond, Wash.-based company hoped to ship an enhanced server by the end of 2003 but delayed it to work out technical issues. The last targeted date for release was mid-2004.

"They're doing a low-level launch, district by district," said one source familiar with the company's plans. "This is largely being driven by customers who want this software now. Microsoft would prefer to hang and do a bigger launch, but they've been so late they want to do it now. "


Source : CRN