Hyper-V without Server 2008

[Zoom7000]

I've read on numerous websites, Paul Thurrott and a few others that Hyper-V will be available as a separate application that can run on Server 2003 and Windows XP.

Is there any news on when this will be? Or if it is already available? I'm running it on a Server 2008 test station, but would like to try it on some other PCs.

[Gatt]

Thought Hyper-V was dependant on Windows 2008?
And that Virtual Server 2005 R2 was needed for Windows XP/2003 ?

[cookie_monster]

Hyper-V uses components from server 2008 which is why you have to run a parallel copy of it, it doesn't technically run 'on' server 2008. MS have hinted that there will soon be a version of Hyper-V that doesn't need a copy of server 2008 running.

I'm not sure when it is scheduled for release though i'm afraid.

EDIT: Does this help

http://windowsitpro.com/article/arti...e-hyper-v.html



It says in small red text on the right, 'Free download coming soon'

http://www.microsoft.com/servers/hyp...r/default.mspx

[saundersmatt]

Hyper-V standalone, called Microsoft Hyper-V Server, will be released within the next 30 days apparently. It'll be coming along with System Centre Virtual Machine Manager, and Application Virtualisation 4.5.

All 3 things i'm waiting for with great anticipation.

Matt

[cookie_monster]

but if you look in the link i posted it says coming in the next 30 days but it was posted on Sept. 8, 2008 so i'm guessing V soon, excuse the pun .

[Zoom7000]

I've been playing with it on a test PC and we're also using Hyper-V for our Smoothwall evaluation - pending confirmation and permission from RM to go for it.

I must say I've not really used VMWare ESX Server, but from my first impressions of Hyper-V, Microsoft have really beefed up the competition and done something right, for once!