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by Justin Braun, Microsoft Product Specialist — June 11, 2008 |
Being with all these Microsoft experts at Tech Ed reminds me of the time I used to work for Microsoft several years ago. I spent a lot of time with my customers working on solutions around Systems Management Server (SMS), Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM), and even had some early adopters of Data Protection Manager (DPM). SMS is now known as Configuration Manager and DPM is stronger than ever with its new version which protects advanced application data (SQL and Exchange) as well as your existing files and folders.Those technologies have all changed and evolved all underneath one umbrella. Enter Microsoft System Center.
System Center ties all of these components together. From deployment of desktops and servers, to asset management, service center (help desk) management, and protecting your data. I am particularly interested in learning more about System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM), Hyper-V, and DPM and how the evolution and advancement of all of these products fits together, so without further ado…
System Center Virtual Machine Manager
SCVMM has a 2007 version which allows you to manage instances of Microsoft Virtual Server from a single MMC. Those familiar with Virtual Server know that it was administrable only through the web interface. The change to the MMC seems to be mainstream and provides a lot more functionality.
Microsoft announced the beta availability of SCVMM 2008 during MMS. SCVMM 2008 brings a number of new features including the ability to manage Hyper-V hosts as well as Virtual Server. The big feature was received the most attention is it's ability to manage VMware ESX hosts. Not only can you manage ESX hosts machines and their guests, but you can also initiate VMotion right from within the SCVMM console. What a powerful feature. They hit the mark by tying these technologies together and are considering how they can tie other technologies into the mix such as Virtual Iron and Xen. A Live Migration feature similar to VMotion is also in the works. It's timing for a release at this point is unknown. The SCVMM 2008 beta is available for download on the Microsoft Connect website.
Check back later this week for some insight on Hyper-V and Data Protection Manager…