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|  | Server Virtualisation
Hardware Virtualisation uses software to create a Virtual Machine (VM) that emulates a physical computer. This creates a separate OS environment that is logically isolated from the host server. By providing multiple VMs at once, this approach allows several operating systems to run simultaneously on a single physical machine. Rather than paying for many under-utilised server machines, each dedicated to a specific workload, server virtualisation allows those workloads to be consolidated onto a smaller number of more fully-used machines. Microsoft has 2 key technologies in the Server Virtualisation space, namely Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V, Hyper-V Server 2008 R2. Both share common functionality, features, and scalability, and are free for customers. The videos in this section, will focus on Hyper-V installation, configuration, and its usage. |
Desktop Virtualisation Desktop Virtualisation offers new and powerful opportunities for IT to deliver and manage corporate desktops and to respond to various user needs in a flexible way. There are a number of different forms that desktop virtualisation can take. The first, is widely understood, and is commonly referred to as Terminal Services, yet in the most recent release of Windows Server, namely, 2008 R2, Terminal Services has become Remote Desktop Services (RDS), and provides scalable, cost-effective, session-based desktop environments to end users. Alternatively, if a session-based desktop isn't suitable, one solution could be VDI, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, or, VM Hosted Desktops. In this approach, an actual client operation system, like Windows 7, is virtualised on server hardware, and runs in the datacenter. Connection to this vDesktop are catered for through RDP 7.0 today. The final option available to users, is a client-hosted virtual desktop. Client-hosted desktop virtualisation creates a separate OS environment on the physical desktop/laptop PC, allowing non-compatible legacy or line-of-business applications to operate within their native environment on top of a more current operating system, or enabling two IT environments (for example, personal and corporate) to run concurrently on the same physical device. |  | Microsoft has a number of technologies connected with Desktop Virtualisation, from Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2008 R2, providing both Session and VDI capabilities, to Windows Virtual PC and Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualisation (MED-V) which form part of the client-hosted desktop virtualisation solutions. We'll also look at some of the Partner solutions that sit on top of the platform, and extend it's functionality to provide compelling solutions to customers. |
Application Virtualisation In a physical environment, every application depends on its OS for a range of services, including memory allocation, device drivers, and much more. Incompatibilities between an application and its operating system can be addressed by either Server Virtualisation or Desktop Virtualisation; but for incompatibilities between two applications installed on the same instance of an OS, you need Application Virtualisation. Microsoft Application Virtualisation (App-V) transforms applications into centrally-managed virtual services that are never installed and don’t conflict with other applications. These videos will focus on App-V, and how you can start working with the technology easily and efficiently. | 
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 | Management Virtual machines are not simply objects to manipulate, but actual computers with real workloads. Managing them just like we manage our physical systems is imperative. By using System Center, a comprehensive set of integrated management tools, you can keep complexity at a minimum and streamline operations. A common management environment reduces training, ensures uniform policy application and simplifies maintenance by leveraging your existing software, personnel, and most importantly, your existing IT management process. | Microsoft have 4 key technologies under the management umbrella, that provide end to end, physical and virtual management, for both servers and desktops. These technologies are System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2 for monitoring and alerting, System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2 for patching, deployment, and centralised configuration management, System Center Data Protection Manager 2010 for backup, restore, and protection of application workloads, and finally, System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2, which provides centralised management of physical and virtual IT infrastructure, increased server utilisation, and dynamic resource optimisation across multiple virtualisation platforms. These videos will focus on all 4 areas of System Center management, and how they can provide comprehensive management of your IT infrastructure. |
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