Live Migration is a new feature shared by both Windows Server 2008 R2 and Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2, designed to ensure that virtual machines will remain online and accessible in maintenance scenarios. Microsoft has made available documentation for Live Migration introduced with the next generation of its hypervisor technology, which boosts flexibility and streamlines the processes of migrating virtual machines from one Hyper-V physical host to another and managing the virtualized environments.

“With Hyper-V live migration, you can move running VMs from one Hyper-V physical host to another without any disruption of service or perceived downtime. Live migration is integrated with Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V and Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2,” revealed Keith Combs, Microsoft evangelist. “Live migration makes it possible to keep VMs online, even during maintenance, increasing productivity for both users and server administrators. Datacenters will be also able to reduce power consumption by dynamically increasing consolidation ratios and powering off un-used physical hosts during times of lower demand.”

The Windows Server 2008 R2 & Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 - Hyper-V Live Migration Overview & Architecture is available for download via Microsoft. The whitepaper offers an insight not only into Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V features, with a focus on Live Migration, but also into Dynamic VM storage; enhanced processor support, enhanced networking support; Cluster Shared Volumes (CSV). Of course that Microsoft has reserved the lion's share of the whitepaper for Live Migration providing an overview, a comparison to Quick Migration, an insight into the feature's architecture, but also information related to the requirements and even Live Migration scenarios.

“Since Hyper-V live migration can move running virtual machines without downtime, it will facilitate greater flexibility and value: Provides better agility - Datacenters with multiple Hyper-V physical hosts will be able to move running VMs to the best physical computer for performance, scaling, or optimal consolidation without impacting users. Reduces costs and increases productivity: Datacenters with multiple Hyper-V physical hosts will be able to service those systems in a more controlled fashion, scheduling maintenance during regular business hours,” Combs added.

Windows Server 2008 R2 Beta (Windows 7 Server Beta) is available for download here.