Microsoft has announced the official name,for the software formerly know as Microsoft Virtualization Server. The new name is… drum roll please:

Hyper-V. This is the official name of the server virtualization technology within Windows Server 2008 that was previously code-named “Viridian.” Microsoft also announced Hyper-V Server, a standalone hypervisor-based server virtualization product that complements the Hyper-V technology in Windows Server 2008 and allows customers to virtualize workloads onto a single physical server.

Microsoft Hyper-V Server

“Microsoft Hyper-V Server, a hypervisor-based server virtualization product, complements the Hyper-V technology within Windows Server 2008, allowing customers to consolidate workloads onto a single physical server. In addition, Microsoft Hyper-V Server will increase original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners’ ability to offer customers simplified, reliable and cost-effective virtualization solutions that can easily plug in to their existing infrastructure. Partners including Dell Inc., Fujitsu Siemens Computers, Fujitsu Ltd., Hitachi Ltd., HP, IBM Corp., Lenovo, NEC Corp. and Unisys are already committed to working with Microsoft to offer solutions based on Microsoft Hyper-V Server once it is available. The estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for Microsoft Hyper-V Server is $28 (U.S.).”

x86Virtualization.com Thoughts: Why $28? just make it FREE Microsoft. Haven’t you noticed the trend in Virtualization, Free and Open Source is taking the lead over pricey closed products. Also what is with the name? Really had to work hard for that one? One of the top result on google for “hyper-v” is a pair of shoes in Japan. These shoes, which retail for $29.50USD are just slightly more expensive then Hyper-V from Microsoft. the original name was pretty long, but why not WVS? Anyway, thanks for finally finalizing the product line up for Windows 2008 Server.

News Source:
Microsoft Outlines Pricing, Packaging and Licensing for Windows Server 2008, Including the New Microsoft Hyper-V Server Product: Microsoft Hyper-V Server gives customers a new server virtualization option that can provide simplified, reliable and cost-effective virtualization solutions which can be easily plugged into existing infrastructure.

Other Sources:
US ISV Developer Evangelism Team : WSV renamed Microsoft Hyper-V Server
Microsoft Details Windows Server 2008