The Building Windows 8 blog just keeps on getting more and more juicy. Its latest morsel is Microsoft plans to support Hyper-V in the client builds of Windows 8. Why is Microsoft bringing streamlined virtualization to the masses? Well, read on and find out …
You may remember originally Microsoft gave us virtualization with Windows XP mode in Windows 7. Now, with Windows 8, everyone can be a virtualization guru, since Hyper-V will now be implemented across the board in every version of Windows 8. According to the Building Windows 8 blog, Microsoft wants to give everyone, “IT administrator or simply an enthusiast,” to have native virtualization capabilities. And that doesn’t just mean virtualization of other instances of Windows. Hyper-V is a full-blown virtualization system, meaning that Windows 8 aficionados can virtualize Linux for developmental or testing needs. The only snag seems to be the steep system requirements; in other words, don’t expect to see virtualization on your Windows 8 tablet anytime soon. Windows 8 Hyper-V support will require a 64-bit CPU from Intel or AMD with at least 4GB of RAM.
Bigger picture? This has the potential to shove competitors such as Oracle with its Virtual Box and VMware with VMware Workstation by the wayside, especially if the Hyper-V implementation is done well. Such a scenario could be a game-changer for virtualization deployments, especially when it comes to VARs and other partners who focus on providing customers with comprehensive and compatible tools. It also could potentially cut back on costs, assuming the Hyper-V feature is free.
There’s just one last thing: Microsoft would like to remind you, however, that if you plan on virtualizing other versions of Windows, you’ll still need a license.
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Hi Dave,
Good information.
“There’s just one last thing: Microsoft would like to remind you, however, that if you plan on virtualizing other versions of Windows, you’ll still need a license.”
I think this holds MS back some. A retail license of Win7 Pro is $300. I believe they need to rethink this strategy to allow the use more freedom to use Windows. I will pay for what I use but $300 a use is a lot.
Thanks,
Victor
Victor: The VAR Guy and his team will be sure to ask Microsoft about this point during our next phone discussion. Thanks for mentioning that you’re willing to pay for what you use — within reason. Great point.
-TVG
How is Microsoft still getting away with this? Competition in browsers? Bundle Internet Explorer. Competition in Media Players? Bundle Windows Media Player. Competition in Media Centres? Bundle Windows Media Center. Competition in Virtualization? Bundle Hyper-V.
They should be fined off of the face of the planet.
Hi TGM,
Good point. But may be this is just evolution. Almost all operating systems have made virtualization part of their strategy. Is it not natural for Microsoft to do the same? I think that including IE years ago was intentionally done to undermine Netscape. But the world is changing and MS needs to keep up. And like other things that MS bundles, will it have the full options of the competition.
Looking forward to see what happens,
Victor
Good point well made, so the next question I guess will be is where’s the app store?!?
Shows I’ve been away too long – Win 8 looks like it’s having an app store!
Victor, TGM: The VAR Guy and his team of bloggers, including David Courbanou, will offer insights on Microosft’s app store strategy as the Windows 8 coverage continues. Stay tuned.
-TVG