Microsoft Virtual Hard Disk FAQ

Microsoft Virtual Hard Disk FAQ: "Virtual machine technology serves a variety of purposes. It enables hardware consolidation, because multiple operating systems can run on one computer. Key applications for virtual machine technology include cross-platform integration as well as the following: • Server consolidation. If several servers run applications that consume only a fraction of the available resources, virtual machine technology can be used to enable them to run side by side on a single server, even if they require different versions of the operating system or middleware. • Consolidation for development and testing environments. Each virtual machine acts as a separate environment, which reduces risk and enables developers to quickly recreate different operating system configurations or compare versions of applications designed for different operating systems. In addition, a developer can test early development versions of an application in a virtual machine without fear of destabilizing the system for other users. • Legacy application re-hosting. Legacy operating systems and applications can run on new hardware along with more recent operating systems and applications. • Software demonstrations. With virtual machine technology, users can quickly recreate a clean operating system environment or system configuration. • Simplify disaster and recovery. Virtual machine "