Harnessing the Power of Virtualization for Dynamic IT

Executive Memo from Bob Muglia:

The potential for information technology to drive business success has never been greater. Advances in software, devices, and networks are transforming the way companies streamline communications, automate processes, and enable employees to access the information and capabilities they need to respond to new opportunities.

At the same time, the complexity of IT has never been higher. Business success increasingly depends on providing mobile employees with easy access to corporate computing resources. People who use instant messaging, social networking sites, and other relatively new communications technologies at home expect to use similar tools at work.

The result is a growing number of contradictory requirements: ease of access vs. security and compliance; performance vs. cost; innovation and agility vs. reliability and continuity. For IT professionals, the real challenge is resolving the tension inherent in trying to create an infrastructure that provides both the flexibility to enable employees to drive business success and the control to protect corporate resources, maintain compliance, and provide continuity.

Helping companies find the right balance is one of Microsoft's most important priorities. To do that, we are focused on technology innovation that will enable companies to build systems that have the flexibility and intelligence to automatically adjust to changing business conditions by aligning computing resources with strategic objectives. This is a vision we call Dynamic IT. Virtualization technologies that provide powerful new tools for creating more efficient, flexible, and cost effective IT systems will provide a critical foundation for bringing this new vision to life.

In previous executive emails, Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer discussed advances that are revolutionizing communications, improving productivity, and transforming the way companies use information. Because you are a subscriber to executive emails from Microsoft, I want to share my thoughts about virtualization with you. As senior vice president of Microsoft's Server and Tools Business, I know that virtualization is helping IT departments reduce costs and improve business continuity and compliance, and I believe that over the long term, it will have a significant impact on the way businesses run IT. It is still early for this important technology--ultimately, virtualization will play an important role in improving business agility by making IT systems more flexible and more responsive to changing business needs.

Understanding Virtualization

Virtualization is an approach to deploying computing resources that isolates different layers--hardware, software, data, networks, storage--from each other. Typically today, an operating system is installed directly onto a computer's hardware. Applications are installed directly onto the operating system. The interface is presented through a display connected directly to the local machine. Altering one layer often affects the others, making changes difficult to implement.

By using software to isolate these layers from each other, virtualization makes it easier to implement changes. The result is simplified management, more efficient use of IT resources, and the flexibility to provide the right computing resources, when and where they are needed.

There are different types of virtualization. Machine virtualization uses software to create a virtual machine that emulates the services and capabilities of the underlying hardware. This makes it possible to run more than one operating system on a single machine. On servers, this approach is called server virtualization; on end-user PCs, it is called desktop virtualization.

Application virtualization separates the application from the operating system, reducing conflicts between applications, which can simplify deployments and upgrades. Presentation virtualization enables an application on a computer in one location to be controlled by a computer in another.

There is also storage virtualization, which lets users access applications and data without having to worry about where they are stored. And network virtualization allows remote users to tap into a company network as if they were physically connected.

Virtualization is not new. IBM first introduced virtual machine technology for mainframe computers in the early 1960s. Microsoft Windows NT included a virtual DOS machine. Virtual PC was introduced by Connectix in 1997 (Microsoft acquired Connectix in 2003). EMC's VMware introduced its first product, VMware Workstation, in 1999. Softricity introduced SoftGrid, the first application virtualization product, in 2001 (Microsoft acquired Softricity in 2006).

Currently, industry analysts estimate that fewer than 10 percent of servers are virtualized, despite the fact that virtualization has been around for many years. But its significance is growing as companies have introduced products that target today's high-volume, low-cost hardware. Now, more and more companies are using server virtualization to save money by consolidating the workload of several servers onto a single machine.

Virtualization: A Foundation for Dynamic IT

As important as server virtualization can be in reducing costs, saving money is just the beginning of the value that virtualization offers. At Microsoft, we believe that virtualization will play a significant role in enabling companies to create IT systems that are not only highly efficient, but that have the self-awareness to adapt automatically as business conditions change.

By separating the layers of the computing stack, a virtualized IT environment makes it possible to quickly deploy new capabilities without having to configure components. In a virtualized environment, testing requirements and application compatibility issues are reduced, processes are easier to automate, and disaster recovery is easier to implement.

In the data center, virtualization not only supports server consolidation, but it enables workloads to be added and moved automatically to precisely match real-time computing needs as demand changes. This provides greater agility, better business continuity, and more efficient use of resources.

On the desktop, application virtualization reduces management costs. And when the operating system, applications, data, and user preferences are all virtualized, it makes it possible for users to access the computing resources they need anywhere, from any machine. The result is tremendous flexibility for employees and greater efficiency and agility for IT departments.

Microsoft Virtualization Products and Solutions for Dynamic IT

While each layer of virtualization delivers an important set of benefits, the real power of virtualization comes when companies implement an integrated virtualization strategy that extends across their IT infrastructure. Today, Microsoft provides a comprehensive set of virtualization products, tools, and services that span from the datacenter to the desktop:

Server Virtualization: With Microsoft Windows Server 2008, server virtualization will be available as part of the operating system with the new "Hyper-V" feature. Microsoft's design approach improves virtualization efficiency and delivers better performance. (This technology is also available separately through Microsoft Hyper-V Server.) Hyper-V technology--as well as the currently available Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2--supports server consolidation, re-hosting of legacy operating systems and applications on new hardware, and disaster recovery based on application portability across hardware platforms.

Application Virtualization: Microsoft SoftGrid Application Virtualization transforms applications into centrally-managed virtual services that are streamed to desktops, servers, and laptops when and where they are needed. SoftGrid dramatically accelerates application deployment, upgrades, and patching by simplifying the application management lifecycle.

Presentation Virtualization: With Microsoft Windows Server Terminal Services, a Windows desktop application can run on a shared server machine and present its user interface on a remote system, such as a desktop computer or thin client.

Desktop Virtualization: Microsoft Virtual PC runs applications that are not compatible with the operating system on a desktop PC by supporting multiple operating systems on a single machine. It also accelerates testing and development of new software and systems. In addition, with the Windows Vista Enterprise Centralized Desktop license for hosted desktop architectures (also known "virtualized desktop infrastructures"), an entire desktop can be hosted on a server and remotely delivered to another desktop computer.

Our goal is to provide companies with the underlying technology they need to implement a flexible infrastructure that delivers the capabilities that employees and customers need, when and where they need them.

The Importance of Integrated Management

In a virtualized environment, a comprehensive management approach that provides the ability to monitor and track physical and virtual resources becomes critical. To achieve Dynamic IT, management solutions must also provide the foundation for automating the allocation of resources as business conditions change. It is the combination of virtualization technologies running across computing layers and orchestrated by a single set of management tools that provides the foundation for Dynamic IT.

Microsoft System Center delivers management software that enables IT professionals to manage all of their computing resources--both virtual and physical. System Center provides provisioning, monitoring, and back-up tools for virtual and physical environments across desktops and servers, and operating systems and applications. System Center enables companies to capture information about their infrastructure, policies, processes, and best practices so they can automate operations, reduce costs, and improve application availability.

Dynamic IT from the Server to the Desktop

Although virtualization has been around for more than four decades, the software industry is just beginning to understand the full implications of this important technology. Server virtualization to consolidate multiple machines into a single server is the most common form of virtualization in use today but it is still very early in the adoption cycle. At Microsoft, we believe that in the coming years, sever virtualization will become ubiquitous. Adoption of other forms of virtualization is just beginning, too, and their potential value remains largely untapped.

To help make this valuable technology more accessible, Microsoft is delivering innovations that make virtualization more affordable and less complex. We also are actively working with industry partners to develop new products and services that will unlock the power of virtualization for companies of all sizes.

Already, virtualization products from Microsoft and our partners are helping companies match computing capabilities to business needs. Imagine, for example, if your employees could access their personalized desktop, with all of their settings and preferences intact, on any machine, from any location. Or if workloads running on the servers in your data center automatically redeployed to respond to a sudden surge in demand for a specific capability. Or if your entire infrastructure could restore itself instantly following a catastrophic power outage.

Today, using existing Microsoft technologies, these Dynamic IT scenarios are already possible. Tomorrow, they will be the norm as we continue to bring new innovations in virtualization and systems management to market that help companies build truly dynamic infrastructures, from the server to the desktop.

Bob Muglia

Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) Customer Survey

This e-mail is a friendly reminder to inform you that we have a survey active under the ACT connection that we request you to participate in. The survey will be active until January 11th, 2008.

If you have responded to this Survey we would like to "Thank you" for your participation and valuable inputs.

If you are yet to respond to this survey, the details of the survey are as below. We need your help by participating in the survey!!

What is Our Goal?

Our goal is to obtain a prioritized list of your requirements and expectations for use during the development and creation of the next and future releases of the Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT).

How Can You Help Us?

We need your help to provide us with a prioritized set of expectations and requirements for the ACT in your organization. Your participation in this survey will allow us to better address your needs for the next and future releases of the product. As an active ACT user your answers to this survey are particularly valuable, and will help set the direction for the future of ACT. We hope you will take the time to tell us about your IT environment and what is important to you.

You can take the survey here https://connect.microsoft.com/Survey/Survey.aspx?SurveyID=5194&SiteID=81

If you have difficulty accessing this survey, please report the problem by using the Contact Us link at the bottom of any Connect web page.

As always, thank you for your participation in making ACT a better product.

Regards,

ACT TEAM

Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) Customer Survey

Thank you for using the Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) and for the feedback you have provided to us through Microsoft Connect. The latest download of ACT 5.0 fixes a number of issues that were brought to our attention through your efforts.


What is Our Goal? Our goal is to obtain a prioritized list of your requirements and expectations for use during the development and creation of the next and future releases of the Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT).

How Can You Help Us? We need your help to provide us with a prioritized set of expectations and requirements for the ACT in your organization. Your participation in this survey will allow us to better address your needs for the next and future releases of the product. As an active ACT user your answers to this survey are particularly valuable, and will help set the direction for the future of ACT. We hope you will take the time to tell us about your IT environment and what is important to you.

You can take the survey here https://connect.microsoft.com/Survey/Survey.aspx?SurveyID=5194&SiteID=81


The survey will be active till January 11th, 2008.

If you have difficulty accessing this survey, please report the problem by using the Contact Us link at the bottom of any Connect web page.


As always, thank you for your participation in making ACT a better product.

Regards,

ACT TEAM

What Is MCSE Certification?

Studies show that people who work in the IT industry are paid much more than others. This is probably because it is a specialized field to get into and you have to study and get certified to work among the best.

One of the most prestigious ones around is called MCSE certification. Those who pass are called Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers and only those that have been working in the IT industry for about a year are allowed to enroll in the program.

There are two types of MCSE's currently available. The first is for Windows 2000 and the other is for Windows 2003.

Those that decide to take the first one will have to deal with exams such as 70-210 Windows 2000 Professional, 70-215 Windows 2000 Server, 70-216 Network Administration, 70-219 Active Directory Design and elective exams such as 70-220 as well as 70-224 Exchange 2000 Server.

The second one which is Windows 2003 has an exam called 70-290, which is supposed to test your mental ability when it comes to managing and maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003. There is also 70-291 that is an environment exam and 70-294 that tackles tests planning.

Anyone that wants to become certified will have to undergo IT training before taking the exam. Such places are called boot camps and after paying between $4,000 to $6,000 for a course that will last 2 weeks, you will be given all the review material needed such as practice tests with questions and answers to help you understand key concepts, tutorials, study notes and other tips. Some of these learning centers will even offer a money back guarantee if you don't pass on the first try.

If the review material is not enough, you can even have someone tutor you along the way. This person will be there to determine your strong points so more focus can be given on topics that you need a lot of improvement. Those that can review on their own can buy the book that already comes with a CD, which costs about $1,000.

In order to get MCSE certification, you have to pass a battery of exams. Five of which are operating systems while the other 2 are electives.

Given that the cost of the program is quite expensive, you can try to ask your employer if they are willing to pay for it. Some companies do that in exchange for a number of years of service. Other firms already have the material on hand and will offer this to the employees for home study, which will save you hundreds of dollars.

If they won't help out, you should try getting a loan or saving up the amount that is required.

Getting MCSE certification has its advantages. For one, it will be easier for you to find a job since almost every company needs to have someone checking on the computer network at all times. This will also allow you to demand more money should you decide to work for someone because you have a document in your hand saying how good you are.

For those that want to have a career in the IT industry, it is best to get MCSE certification. After all, most companies in the United States use this unlike those in Europe that are more familiar with Linux.

Microsoft Web Conferencing Research Survey

To take our survey, please click on the URL below.

This survey should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

https://deploy.ztelligence.com/start/index.jsp?PIN=139QQ62HXLNBS

By providing us with your feedback, we are able to continually improve the Microsoft Office productivity suite to assist you in getting your job done!

Sincerely,
The Microsoft Office Panel Team

Windows Server RC1 WDK now available on Connect!

Hello WDK Beta Users-

We are pleased to announce the release of the Windows Server 2008 RC1 WDK is now available for download on Connect. This WDK beta release to Connect coincides with the recent OS beta release for Windows Server 2008 RC1. Please take a few moments to install the newest WDK build and test as applicable for your needs. As always, please file bugs as quickly and as detailed as possible.

In this WDK release, the WDK is delivering the latest updates to build drivers for Server 2008 and earlier platforms since the release of Vista almost a year ago.

A few highlights in this release are:
. UMDF and KMDF co-installers are now available for down-level platforms.
. Additional WDF samples have been added, including one to support the examples in Developing Drivers with the Windows Driver Foundation.
. The new Inf2Cat signing tool replaces Signability, providing support for Server 2008
. New Documentation Filtering
. Side by Side installations now supported

This release is available as a download only. The image posted is a DVD image and the recommended approach is to download and burn a DVD.

Thank you for your continued support!
The WDK Team

Invitation to the Windows Live Messenger 9.0 Beta

Hello from the Windows Live Messenger Team!

We've been hard at work building the foundation for Windows Live Messenger 9.0, we'd like to give you a look at what we've built and ask what you think. We're running a small private beta to get early feedback on the new features we've built and get wider test coverage of the build.

As a beta tester you'll have access to an early 9.0 build, a private newsgroup just for Windows Live Messenger beta testers, and the ability to send bugs directly to the product team. The build you'll be beta testing with is a very early build, so it may be less stable than beta builds you've tried in the past. We're telling you this upfront so you know what you're getting into. If you're not sure about trying a not-quite polished build, maybe this beta isn't for you. If you're ready to dig in and explore this build with us, follow the below instructions to nominate yourself.

1. Go to http://connect.microsoft.com
2. Click "Invitation" in the left nav pane
3. Enter this invitation ID: B0-WBH8-FY44
4. Click Go
5. Fill out the nomination survey

We'll review all survey responses and accept as many people into the beta as we can. Look for mail from us soon!

We look forward to hearing from you!
The Windows Live Messenger Team