Microsoft is preparing a Virtual Server Manager code-named Carmine that will enable users to add, move and manage virtual machines on its virtualization platform.
The product, currently called Microsoft Virtual Server Manager, will allow broad support for administration via "Monad," Microsoft's next-generation scripting platform for Windows Longhorn Server and Exchange 12, according to Microsoft's Web site.
Other sources in the partner community familiar with Carmine said it will contain some of the basic features of VMware's management capabilities in VirtualCenter, but it won’t be as sophisticated.
"Today, the problem with Microsoft Virtual Server is the missing management tool for it overall. Carmine is the code name for that management tool," said one source familiar with Microsoft's plans. "Microsoft has to play catch-up to VMware's management console."
Microsoft Virtual Server Manager will allow users and partners to add, remove, drag and drop, and patch a virtual machine without "too much" downtime, he added.
"If you were patching the host operating system, you can virtually move all the machines to a different server, patch the host and then bring the machines back," the source added. "Some of this can be done today with host clustering and iSCSI, but it is still not where it needs to be."
Microsoft declined to comment
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