Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V Beta is available for download. Although Microsoft initially planned to deliver the first beta of its server virtualization solution in the first quarter of 2007, concomitantly with the release to manufacturing of Windows Server 2008, formerly codenamed Longhorn, the testing release shipped on December 13th as the Windows Server 2008 Release Candidate 1 Enterprise with Hyper-V Beta. Hyper-V, also referred to under the codename Viridian, is nothing more than a Windows Server 2008 role offering hypervisor-based virtualization features.

"Delivering the high-quality Hyper-V beta earlier than expected allows our customers and partners to begin evaluating this feature of Windows Server 2008 and provide us with valuable feedback as we march toward final release", said Bill Laing, general manager of the Windows Server Division at Microsoft. "Along with Hyper-V, Windows Server 2008 offers cost-effective and flexible licensing for virtualization so that customers and partners can extend the savings realized through server consolidation and deliver on the vision of Dynamic IT."

And it is the case with all pieces of software released for testing, the Windows Server 2008 Release Candidate 1 Enterprise with Hyper-V Beta is time bombed. The time-limited beta is scheduled for expiration on June 30th, 2008. Microsoft informed that by mid 2008, users still running the Hyper-V Beta will have to either upgrade to an evolved version or deploy the RTM version of Windows Server 2008. However, users will have to introduce a product key obtainable via MSDN or TechNet.

"Currently, the beta for Windows Server 2008 with Hyper-V is available for the x64 Enterprise Edition in English. This beta release provides customers and partners with expanded features and capabilities not previously available in the September 2007 Community Technology Preview of Hyper-V, such as Quick Migration, high availability, Server Core role and Server Manager integration. The final version of Hyper-V remains on target for release within 180 days of the RTM of Windows Server 2008", Microsoft added.

Windows Server 2008 Release Candidate 1 Enterprise with Hyper-V Beta can be downloaded from here.