Role Management in Windows Server Longhorn and Windows Server virtualization

Another webcast worth watching. This is relevant for Windows Server virtualization as, if you haven't gathered by now, there are some very fundamental differences between Virtual Server 2005 and Windows Server virtualization. I'm not just talking huge architectural differences, there is an even more significant one: Virtual Server 2005 (R2) is a product. You buy it (or did at least - not now that it's free for full production supported use), have an EULA and install it. Windows Server virtualization is part of the Windows Server Longhorn platform, or the "operating system". Your rights to use it are part of the EULA provided as part of the operating system.

With that cleared up, there is another point of clarification given the number of people who have asked me this at WinHEC this week. Today, in Windows Server 2003, you can use the CYS (Configure Your Server) and MYS (Manage Your Server) applets to add "Roles" to your server. For example, an Active Directory domain controller, a File Server etc. With Windows Server "Longhorn", a similar applet will exist, today at least called the Role Management Tool, or RMT which you use to add, remove and configure roles for your server. Windows Server virtualization will be another role installed through that applet. Further, Windows Server virtualization will be available as a server core role. I'll follow up on that one in a future blog post though.

Hence, you may want to attend the webcast "Installing, Configuring and Managing Server Roles in Windows Server "Longhorn"" on Wednesday 31st May at 1PM Pacific (9PM UK time). Although I doubt there will be mention of the Windows Server virtualization role, the general concepts and examples will be covered. By seeing other role examples, it should make it clearer how Windows Server virtualization installation will be managed.

Server Setup in the next version of Microsoft Windows Server Code Name “Longhorn” has changed substantially since previous releases of the operating system. Installation and configuration in Windows Server “Longhorn” is now done by server role; for example, File Server, Print Server, Terminal Services, and so on. To prepare for this change, join this webcast for a detailed walkthrough of both the Initial Configuration Tasks and Server Manager tools, which can be used to complete your server installation and ensure that it is operational.

Signup link is here

Cheers,
John.