Strings are definitely attached, and you must agree to the terms of use and follow them to get the Bing preview invite. You are an IT Pro, you know the drill, this is pre-RTM, and the search team want your feedback.
To get a free super-secret-and-oh-so-select preview code: mail tonyso@microsoft.com with the subject “Bing me” and include a link to your company website, personal blog, forum post, something that will help me identify you as an IT Pro.
Codes will be given out by Monday morning at my sole discretion.
Enjoy.
Technet Edge has a series of Video demos available for free-as-in-beer from Giovanni showing R2 live migration features, enjoy!
Live Migration - Update for RC
Live Migration - Part 1
Live Migration - Part 2
Live Migration - Part 3
Live Migration - Part 4
Live Migration - Part 5
Live Migration - Part 6
HP has the following Hyper-V BP guidance:
The matrix of considerations for backup and DR for Hyper-V is not simple, for example there are several methods to backup running VMs such as Windows Server Backup, DPM, diskshadow.exe, as well as non-Microsoft solutions such as Symantec Backup Exec.
Capability
Host-Based
Agent-Based
SAN snapshots
Protection of VM configuration
X
Protection of Host & Cluster configuration
Protection of Virtualization-specific data such as VM snapshots
Protection of data inside the VM
Protection of data inside the VM stored on pass-through disks
Support for VSS-based backups for supported operating systems and applications
Support for Continuous Data Protection (DPM)
Ability to granularly recover specific files or applications inside the VM
For more help on options and considerations, see:
Backup and Disaster Recovery for Server Virtualization: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/cc895627.aspx
This Fix it Solution automates registering the Microsoft Hyper-V VSS writer with Windows Server Backup: How to back up Hyper-V virtual machines from the parent partition on a Windows Server 2008-based computer by using Windows Server Backup
Off-line Virtual Machine Servicing Tool: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc501231.aspx
Taylor Brown's blog post explains away some of the confusion around backup/snapshot in Hyper-V: http://blogs.msdn.com/taylorb/archive/2008/08/20/backing-up-hyper-v-virtual-machines-using-windows-server-backup.aspx
How to enable Windows Server Backup support for the Hyper-V VSS Writer : http://blogs.technet.com/askcore/archive/2008/08/20/how-to-enable-windows-server-backup-support-for-the-hyper-v-vss-writer.aspx
Backing Up Hyper-V Virtual Machines Using Windows Server Backup: http://blogs.msdn.com/taylorb/archive/2008/08/20/backing-up-hyper-v-virtual-machines-using-windows-server-backup.aspx
Windows Server 2008 Backup and Recovery Overview : http://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc770593.aspx
Windows Server Backup Step-by-Step Guide for Windows Server 2008 : http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc770266.aspx
Hyper-V Backup: what's supported?: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/winserverhyperv/thread/587474ff-8146-44bb-8ef7-c80a366b07f4/
Microsoft Data Protection Manager trial: http://technet.microsoft.com/dpm/bb727240.aspx
Purists – I know that videos are not “podcasts” in the purest sense of the word, and some of these don’t appear to be about Hyper-V from the title, however, these appear on the Microsoft podcasts page, so,
enjoy
Understanding the Microsoft Server Virtualization Portfolio, Including Hyper-V Duration: 01:04:27
Virtualizing Test and Development Environments for a Quick Return on Investment Duration: 00:59:40
How Microsoft does IT: Improving the Sustainability and Use of SQL Server at Microsoft Duration: 60
Assess Your Server IT Infrastructure for Windows Server 2008 Migration and Virtualization Duration: 00:58:00
Best Practices for Sizing Server Workloads with Microsoft Hyper-V and Intel Xeon Processor Families Duration: 01:20:22
How to Implement Microsoft Hyper-V Server and Intel Virtualization Technology Duration: 01:17:31
HP Virtualization with Microsoft Hyper-V Duration: 01:05:27
TechNet Radio: Hyper-V Duration: 00:32:16
Selecting the Right Virtualization Technology: Planning for Hyper-V and Terminal Services Duration: 01:15:19
How Microsoft Does IT: Best Practices for Deploying Virtual Machines using Hyper-V Virtualization Technology Duration: 77
Deploying Forefront Client Security in the Enterprise Using Virtualization Duration: 00:58:55
Innovating High Availability with Cluster Shared Volumes Duration: 70
High Availability Basics with Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V Duration: 23
High Availability with Hyper-V Duration: 01:09:26
First Look at Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager v3 Duration: 31
TechNet Radio: Microsoft Forefront Client Security Duration: 00:18:50
Running Linux on Hyper-V Duration: 53
Disaster Recovery with Iron Mountain and Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager 2007Duration: 45
Meanwhile, over on The Edge (http://edge.technet.com/):
Brad Anderson Q&A from MMS 2009
TechNet Radio: Hyper-V
Virtualization Launch
Demo - Hyper-V Server and Live Migration
Feature of the Week: Hyper-V Server
Hyper-V Changes in Windows Server 2008 R2
Live Migration - part 6
Live Migration Refresh
System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 RTM!
System Center Virtual Machine Manager R2
Video Customer Interview with Karl Peterson (On Virtualization)
Feature of the Week: Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V Scripting
Video Customer Interview with …in (MVP, Customer and Partner)
Desktop to Datacenter - Part 1 - Server Virtualization
Desktop to Datacenter - Part 2… Configuring, Managing Hyper-V
Desktop to Datacenter - Part 3…rstanding Integration Services
Desktop to Datacenter - Part 4 - Exports & Snapshots
Desktop to Datacenter - Part 5 - Powershell Management
Desktop to Datacenter - Part 6 - Configuring Failover Cluster
Desktop to Datacenter - Part 7 - Failover & Migration of VMs
Desktop to Datacenter - Part 8 - Multiple VMs per LUN
Desktop to Datacenter - Part 9…ustering with Sanbolic Kayo FS
Desktop to Datacenter - Part 10 - Pass Through Disks
Screencast: Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008
Running SharePoint Products and Technologies Virtually
Desktop to Datacenter - Part 1…ures in Windows Server 2008 R2
First Look: Hyper-V Server
Redhat on Hyper-V
TechNet Webcast: Hyper-V v2 (V…fzeichnung von der CeBIT 2009)
SQL Server Virtualization
Finding Cost Savings in the Cloud
Virtualization Quickly and Eff…of Rapidly Changing Businesses
20-Part Webcast Series on Microsoft Virtualization Solutions
A chat with the authors of Hyper-V Unleashed
Virtualized Desktops with Citrix and Microsoft
Tech Ed 2008 Interview with Brent Alinger (Exchange)
Using Powershell to managed Hyper-V
How Microsoft IT does server Virtualization and Hyper-V
How MSIT does server Virtualization and Hyper-V Part 2
Windows Server 2008 Virtualiza… Bryon Surace in the Fish Bowl
Hyper-V Part 3 - TAP and VSS Snapshots - Interview with PMs
Hyper-V Part 4 - Disks and iSCSI - Interview with PMs
Hyper-V Part 5 - High Availability - Interview with PMs
Michael Noel on Virtualization Part II
Turning a Mac Mini into a virtual Windows HPC cluster. 4 of 4
MAP tool virtualization demo with Baldwin
Be Green with Hyper-V at Singapore's Microsoft Innovation Center
Loke Kit Kai on Hyper-V
Jeff Woolsey on Hyper-V RC
Windows Server 2008 Clustering [SCREEN CAST]
Interview with Windows Server 2008 Virtualization program managers
TechNet Video: Virtualisierung 360°
Virtualization Quickly and Eff…hanging Businesses (Level 100)
MTR 2009: Współpraca systemów operacyjnych z Hyper-V
TechNet Video: Hyper-V v2 (Windows Server 2008 R2 - Teil 3)
DPM 2007 SP1 -- Protecting Hyper-V
TN/MSDN has a nifty podcast directory page with RSS feed and filters “By Topic” and “By Job Role”. Plus, you can search, for example
“Virtualization Podcasts” running time:
You, uh, didn’t have anything planned for Memorial Day weekend, right?
Snapshots in Hyper-V, checkpoints in SCVMM, diff-disks in VPC, undo in Office… can’t we all just get along?
As the terms and technologies have changed, people have gotten confused about the best use scenario/what is supported for snapshots. Here are some good recent blog posts, discussion and the FAQ to help you sort it out.
Hyper-V Virtual Machine Snapshots: FAQ
Virtual PC Guy's WebLog : Hyper-V Terminology
Virtual PC Guy's WebLog : Managing Snapshots with Hyper-V
Virtual PC Guy's WebLog : Virtual Machine Snapshotting under Hyper-V
Virtual PC Guy's WebLog : Where are my snapshot files? [Hyper-V]
Virtual PC Guy's WebLog : What happens when I delete a snapshot ...
SCVMM 2007 Checkpoints are the new UNDO | Media | TechNet Edge
About Virtual Machine Checkpoints
Hyper-V / SCVMM: Why aren't snapshots (checkpoints) recommended as a backup method?
See also:
http://blogs.technet.com/roblarson/archive/2008/04/26/virtual-machine-snapshots-with-hyper-v.aspx
http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2008/01/16/managing-snapshots-with-hyper-v.aspx
There’s a new top-node page for Hyper-V in the TechNet library at: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753637(WS.10).aspx, including the new Hyper-V FAQ.
There is also a new TechCenter page of Hyper-V Technical Resources, grouped by IT Pro task at: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/dd565807.aspx.
Feedback on either/both? Leave comments. Thanks in advance.
Top-seller at TecEd this year: Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V: Insiders Guide to Microsoft's Hypervisor. Amazon’s blub:
“Leveraging server virtualization has never been easier. Not only does Hyper-V come in the box with Microsoft Windows Server 2008, now you can get up and running in no time with expert guidance from three team members at Microsoft who worked with the product.”
Pre-order the Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V Resource Kit at Amazon
You can find v1 of the Hyper-V FAQ at: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd744892(WS.10).aspx
Microsoft Threat Analysis & Modeling (TAME, cause I put an “Enterprise” on the end) tool allows non-security subject matter experts to enter already known information including business requirements and application architecture which is then used to produce a feature-rich threat model. Along with automatically identifying threats, the tool can produce valuable security artifacts such as:
Think of it as a BPA for security in your org. Or, think of it as a blind-spot detector – are you sure that you have considered all attacks and risks?
I mentioned it was free-as-in-beer right? Did I mention that it is based on the fine work of Microsoft IT?
You can download an intro video: What is Microsoft Application Threat Modeling
Microsoft Threat Analysis & Modeling v2.1.2 : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=59888078-9daf-4e96-b7d1-944703479451
Microsoft and NASA released coolness, a synth of the Space Station:
Read more: http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2009/may09/05-07PhotosynthVEPR.mspx
Oh, and the Mars Science lab:
Some best practices to share based on the experience of Microsoft support folks (thanks to Steven E.):
Best Practices:
Now that the next version of Hyper-V is available as an RC download, you will need the remote management tools, called RSAT. Download Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) here.
Remote Server Administration Tools (RAAT) for Windows 7 RC enables IT administrators to manage roles and features that are installed on remote computers that are running Windows Server 2008 R2 (and, for some roles and features, Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2003) from a remote computer that is running Windows 7 RC. It includes support for remote management of computers that are running either the Server Core or full installation options of Windows Server 2008 R2, and for some roles and features, Windows Server 2008. Some roles and features on Windows Server 2003 can be managed remotely by using Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 7 RC, although the Server Core installation option is not available with the Windows Server 2003 operating system.
This feature is comparable in functionality to the Windows Server 2008 Administrative Tools Pack and Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 (SP1).
Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 7 RC is also available in the following languages: • French • German • Japanese • Spanish
To manage a computer remotely by using Server Manager, you connect Server Manager to a remote computer in the same manner you would connect Microsoft Management consoles (MMCs) for other technologies. You must be a member of the Administrators group on any remote computers that you want to manage by using Server Manager.
To run Server Manager on Windows 7 RC, and target it at a server that is running Windows Server 2008 R2, follow these steps.
On the remote computer that is running Windows Server 2008 R2: 1. On the remote computer that you want to manage, open Server Manager. Click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Server Manager. 2. In the Server Summary area, click Configure Server Manager Remote Management. 3. Select Allow remote management of this server from other computers by using Server Manager and Windows PowerShell. Click OK.
On the computer that is running Windows 7 RC: 1. Install Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 7 RC by using procedures on this Web page. 2. On the computer that is running Windows 7 RC, open a Command Prompt session with elevated user rights by clicking Start, clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, right-clicking Command Prompt, and then clicking Run as administrator. 3. Start the Windows Remote Management (WinRM) service.Type the following, and then press Enter. net start winrm
For more information about how to run Server Manager targeted at remote computers, see Remote Management with Server Manager (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=137378) in the Server Manager Help.
The RC of the next version of Hyper-V is available to download today:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/R2-Download.aspx
Mind you read the caveats, er, I mean Important Release Candidate Documents
Installing the Release Candidate of Windows Server 2008 R2
Release Notes: Important Issues in this Release Candidate of Windows Server 2008 R2
Things to Know About This Release Candidate of Windows Server 2008 R2
NOTE: “If you export a virtual machine that is in a saved state and then import it, the original virtual machine will lose network connectivity.
To avoid this, ensure that any virtual machine is in the Off state before you export it. After importing the virtual machine, set it to use static MAC addresses, and then reset it to use dynamic MAC addresses before you start the virtual machine. If you have snapshots in the imported virtual machine, turn off the virtual machine after you apply the snapshot, and then repeat the above steps.
If this has already occurred, turn off the newly imported virtual machine and repeat the steps above.”
And, from marketing:
“Windows Server 2008 R2 also holds the much-anticipated update to Microsoft’s virtualization technology, Hyper-V™. The new Hyper-V™ was designed to augment both existing virtual machine management as well as to address specific IT challenges, especially around server migration.
Hyper-V™ is an enabling technology for one of Windows Server 2008 R2’s marquee features, Live Migration. With Hyper-V version 1.0, Windows Server 2008 was capable of Quick Migration, which could move VMs between physical hosts with only a few seconds of down-time. Still, those few seconds were enough to cause difficulties in certain scenarios, especially those including client connections to VM-hosted servers. With Live Migration, moves between physical targets happen in milliseconds, which means migration operations become invisible to connected users.
Customers employing System Center Virtual Machine Manager for Hyper-V will also enjoy additional management and orchestration scenarios, including a new VM-oriented Performance and Resource Optimization feature and updated support for managing failover clusters.
The new Hyper-V™ also has core performance enhancements, including the previously mentioned ability to take advantage of 32 logical processors on the host and to beef up that CPU performance with host support for Second Level Translation (SLAT). Finally, VMs can also add and remove VHD disks without requiring a reboot and also boot from VHD as well.”
Aaaand:
“PowerShell 2.0 also has a deeper reach than its predecessor, with enhanced support available on both Windows 7 and the Server Core role (which previously could not run PowerShell).”