Microsoft has released System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008. VMM 2008 is to Hyper-V what VMware Virtual Center is to ESX. Just like Virtual Center, it is an additional purchase. Just like Virtual Center, it add’s additional management functionality to Hyper-V.
VMM offers:
- Integration with other management products, i.e. System Center Operations Manager via PRO to give hardware to application (including all points in between including virtualisation) and cradle to grave management. Your virtualisation layer is managed by the same management infrastructure as all your other platforms.
- Improvements on the clustering experience for virtual machines.
- A library for scripts and virtual machine templates.
- A web portal for KVM access to virtual machines.
- Simpler delegation, e.g. non administrators can be given a quote for self service VM deployment.
- Manage ESX servers.
- Perform P2V (convert physical to virtual) or V2V (ESX to Hyper-V conversions).
VMM 2008 can be purchased as part of the System Center CAL/SAL. This includes OpsMgr, ConfigMgr and Data Protection Manager CAL’s/SAL’s at a price where you get 4 products for the price of 2.
There is a free evaluation and an online video demonstration.