Microsoft Dumbs Down Virtualisation Release

May 14, 2007: Microsoft has reportedly cut some key features from its upcoming Longhorn Windows Server Virtualisation (WSV) software, limiting its ability to compete with VMware.

According to Network World,, on Thursday the company announced that it will be removing Live Migration, cutting the mount of processors supported from 64 to 16 and dropping the ability to storage and memory on the fly.

Live Migration enables users to move virtual machines to different WSV instances without suffering downtime, an important feature when it comes to supporting critical applications and holding its own against VMware.

The features have not been entirely struck out though, as Microsoft claims that everything that has been cut to meet deadlines will be bundled into a future release.

Microsoft is being cautious with its release schedule for WSV, and is offering no solid release dates beyond the second half of this year.

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