Some questions about Virtualization
- Hi
Microsoft said this about Microsoft Licensing for Virtualization:
Windows Server 2008 Datacenter
Run any number of software instances in physical and virtual operating system environments on a server.
Now,I have some questions:
1)Is this method of licensing just for hyper-v or we can use it on vmware ESXi or Xen?
2)How we can use Microsoft Volume Licensing on Vmware ESXi and Xen?
3)What is the best solution for windows virtualization?(vmware esxi or hyper-v or xen)
Thanks
Answers
Hi,
1)Is this method of licensing just for hyper-v or we can use it on vmware ESXi or Xen?
Q. Do the virtualization licensing rights of Windows Server 2008 apply when used with non-Microsoft software virtualization technologies?
A. Yes. The use rights apply regardless of the virtualization product being used. However, any non-Microsoft software virtualization technologies are not supported by Microsoft. For more information about support policies, please refer to the following Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) articles:
• Article 897613: Microsoft Virtual Server support policy
• Article 897614: Windows Server System software not supported within a Microsoft Virtual Server environment
• Article 897615: Support policy for Microsoft software running in non-Microsoft hardware virtualization software
Licensing FAQ
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/licensing-faq.aspx
Licensing Windows Server in a Virtual Environment
Microsoft Hyper-V Server: Home Page
http://www.microsoft.com/hyper-v-server/en/us/default.aspx
Vincent Hu
- Marked As Answer byBrianEhMVP, ModeratorWednesday, November 04, 2009 4:06 PM
All Replies
- The datacenter licensing applies to Server 2008 Datacenter edition with the Hyper-V role.
In theory - you could have one datacenter server in your farm with other hyper-v hosts - and migrate between them all.
In regards to VMware and XenServer.
Again, in theory as long as the hosts all participate in the same datacenter... but this is all theory.
Whenever it comes to licensing - you need to rely on the licensing folks to interpret.
And, always remember the vm instance licensing only applies to Server sku's - it does not apply to client OS's running in a VM, that is different licensing. VDI licensing is yet a different program.
In regards to "What is the 'best' solution for windows virtualization?"
Again, it depends.
One thing that it depends on is what type of VMs do you plan to run? (OS, application, etc.)
Are you willing to tweak settings? Are you willing to have a lower user density per server?
Quite honestly, there is no 'best' - there are just options.
And I am being pretty bold in stating that - as I should have a bias, or should I say that I am expected to - but I run all three systems that you mention and all I can tell you is that there are differences. Each has something to offer. Each has pros, each has cons.
Pay very close to what the marketing is telling you, bt don't take it so seriously that you feel you need to defend it - always ask yourself: how is it doing X? Or How does that feature really work?
Because once you understand how one works, you will understand that the very same function can most likely be applied to one of the others as well.
Determine the options that you need / require and see what each platform has to offer in regards to those options.
The only true way is to take the time to set up a lab with each hypervisor and run the same workloads on each and compare what the user has to endure. The important part is that you run your workloads on it.
And, seperate the management layer options from the hypervisor options. Hyper-V does X and with SCVMM it can do X and Y. The same with ESX and Virtual Center. The XenServer management model is different and it does things without a management server that the others require one for.
And, you asked about licensing so you must be considering cost. the licensing of the OS'es in the VMs is always the big hidden cost.
Again, talk to a licensing person, and keep trying until you get one that understands your questions.
Brian Ehlert (hopefully you have found this useful) Hi,
1)Is this method of licensing just for hyper-v or we can use it on vmware ESXi or Xen?
Q. Do the virtualization licensing rights of Windows Server 2008 apply when used with non-Microsoft software virtualization technologies?
A. Yes. The use rights apply regardless of the virtualization product being used. However, any non-Microsoft software virtualization technologies are not supported by Microsoft. For more information about support policies, please refer to the following Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) articles:
• Article 897613: Microsoft Virtual Server support policy
• Article 897614: Windows Server System software not supported within a Microsoft Virtual Server environment
• Article 897615: Support policy for Microsoft software running in non-Microsoft hardware virtualization software
Licensing FAQ
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/licensing-faq.aspx
Licensing Windows Server in a Virtual Environment
Microsoft Hyper-V Server: Home Page
http://www.microsoft.com/hyper-v-server/en/us/default.aspx
Vincent Hu
- Marked As Answer byBrianEhMVP, ModeratorWednesday, November 04, 2009 4:06 PM
- Support of non-MSFT virtualization environments can be found here:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/957006/
http://www.windowsservercatalog.com/svvp.aspx
