Microsoft has kicked Windows Vista virtualization up a notch with the availability of Virtual Server 2005 R2 Service Pack 1 Release Candidate. The RC build is a welcomed release from Microsoft on the way to the final version of Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 and support for Windows Vista is one of the main focuses of the product. The release candidate was initially planned for the first quarter of 2007, and as the build slipped into April, Microsoft is not giving away any clues as to when the final product will launch.

Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 RC delivers the latest updates for Virtual Server 2005, but not only. In fact, the release candidate also brings to the table a range of new features in addition to Windows Vista support.

Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 RC comes with interoperability for the Volume Shadow Copy Service, Service Publication using Active Directory Service Connection Points, VHD Mount command-line tool and APIs, Virtual SCSI fix for Linux guests and it is also increasing the default size for dynamically expanding virtual hard disks.

Hardware-assisted virtualization, more than 64 virtual machines running on x64-based hosts and additional Guest and Host Operating Systems are now supported by Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 RC.

"To run Virtual Server on the Microsoft Windows Vista™ operating system, you need to enable Internet Information Services (IIS) and also enable the settings shown in the table below. There is an option when you install Virtual Server to do this automatically. To change these settings manually, from Control Panel, under Programs, click Windows Features, and then click Turn Windows features on and off," reads an excerpt out of the ReadMe for Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 RC.