Features of Hyper-V include

• New and Improved Architecture
• Extensive OS Support
• Symmetric Multiprocessor Support
• Network Load Balancing
• New Hardware Sharing Architecture
• Fast Migration
• VM Snapshot
• Scalability
• Extensibility

Hyper-V Features

• New and Improved Architecture

• An extensive array of device support methods for improved security and performance are enabled by the Hyper-V Server 64-bit micro-Kernelized Hypervisor server core architecture.

• Extensive Operating System (OS) Support

• Runs both 32-bit and 64-bit systems across various server platforms including Windows, Linux and others. This support means that different types of operating systems are able to run simultaneously on the same physical server.

• SMP or Symmetric Multiprocessors Support

• Has the ability to support as many as four symmetric multiprocessors in a virtual environment, allowing users to take full advantage of the multi-threaded applications this technology provides.

• Network Load Balancing

• By means of virtual switch capabilities, Hyper-V hosting can be easily configured to operate together with NLB services. This balances the load across all virtual machines operating on different servers.

• New Hardware Sharing Architecture

• The new VSP/VSC – virtual service provider to virtual service client architecture, means that Hyper-V VPS is able to provide improved use and access of core resources. These include:
• Disk
• Networking
• Video

• Fast Migration

• Hyper-V Virtualization enables users to conclude fast migration in a running machine from one host system to another. Fast migration means there is minimal downtime, and users are able to leverage the capabilities of familiar Windows server and system management tools.

• Virtual Machine Snapshot

• Windows Server Virtualization provides users with the ability to take snapshots of a running machine. This allows the user to easily revert to a previous state; it improves recoverability as well as improves overall data back-up.

• Scalability

• As Hyper-V Hosting technology provides support for multiple processors and cores, it also provides improved memory access in the virtual machines. Users are therefore able to scale the virtualization environment vertically; this in turn allows the environment to support large amount of virtual machines in a given host, whilst still continuing to leverage fast migration for scalability in the hosts.

• Extensibility

• Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) interfaces and APIs in Microsoft Hyper-V Servers allow autonomous software developers and vendors to build custom tools, enhancements and utilities quickly and efficiently for the virtualization platform. For the uninitiated, WMI interfaces and APIs are Standards-based Windows Management Instrumentation.

• Other New Features

• New features in IIS 7.0 and other areas of Windows Server Virtualization use fewer system resources, while at the same time allows applications to run more speedily. These improved features combine to reduce administration and support efforts for web-based applications, as well as provide enhanced security, file transfer services and extended functionality.