A Better Way To Manage Virtual Server

Almost two years ago I saw Bruce using this tool at a TechNet event and asked him where I could get it.  The tool was in it's Alpha stages so he was unable to pass it on but I am happy to say that now, after a long development road (it was built by Matthijs ten Seldam who is a consultant in the Netherlands) VMRC Plus is available.

VMRC Plus is a replacement for the VMRC client that ships with Virtual Server that adds a whole host of features like...

• Direct control of local or remote instances of the Virtual Server service. IIS and IE browser are no longer required!
• Tabbed interface to quickly jump between Virtual Server hosts and guest VMRC sessions.
• Reusable saved states: this feature allows users to preserve a particular saved state and return to that state at any time.
• Multiple guest selection supported for startup/shutdown/save/display.
• Browse button navigation for media, hard disk images, ISO images, .VMC files, etc.
• Drag and Drop support for .VMC files, ISOs images, VHD and VFD files.
• Resizable desktop support for guests running Virtual Machine Additions (maximize VMRC window supported).
• Limited cut and paste of text from host to guest (only).
• A built-in utility to take JPG screenshots of running guests. Useful when filing bugs.
• Built-in error notification with Virtual Server eventlog viewer.
• A Virtual Networks Manager and Virtual Disks Manager that cover all features.
• Keyboard shortcuts (e.g. Ctrl-S to save state a guest).
• Create multiple guests at once.
• Create guest from parent (or multiple guests)!
• Automatic reconnect to a designated Virtual Server host.
• Toolbars in both Guest and Console Manager for quick access.
• Unlimited number of guests.
• Maximum of 32 Virtual Server hosts.
• Sorting on columns of guests so you can sort based on status and multi-select.
• Automatic detection of Virtual Machine Additions and notification.
• Detection of Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1

You can run this tool on any XP/Vista desktop and control your Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 hosts with much more capabilities.  There are two ways you can get this tool as it will be part of the Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 Resource Kit.  This will also be available on the Microsoft downloads site in the next few months but I couldn't wait so I put it up on our team servers for you to download!

Download VMRCPlus x86

Download VMRCPlus x64

Oh yeah did I mention it was free?