The Virtual Server Migration Toolkit (VSMT) lets IT Pros migrate servers from physical hardware to virtual machines. You can get it here.

Okay, well it’s not quite like the P2V (physical-to-virtual) software produced by VMWare, but for those looking to make a transition to Microsoft Virtual Server, this is a valuable resource. It works differently than VMWare’s counterpart – VSMT requires you run Automate Deployment Services as part of your migration setup. It’s worth noting the difference in price, as well (P2V costs $$$, and the Microsoft VSMT is a free download once you register online).

I’ve worked with both Microsoft’s Virtual Server 2005/Virtual PC 2004 and VMWare’s Workstation and ESX/GSX Server products. All are good products that do a fine job. In the end, the tools you choose should be the result of careful examination and testing against your needs and in your environment. But you should be using these tools, even if only for the purpose of getting to know them and keeping on the leading edge of the technology.

From the VSMT description:

*“One of the key steps in a successful Virtual Server 2005 deployment strategy is simplifying the process of converting physical servers to virtual machines. *

“You can use VSMT to create images of physical computers and deploy them in virtual machines running on Virtual Server 2005. With VSMT, you can migrate source computers running the following operating systems to virtual machines in Virtual Server 2005:

  • Windows NT 4.0 Server with Service Pack (SP) 6a, Standard and Enterprise Editions
  • Windows 2000 Server SP 4 or later
  • Windows 2000 Advanced Server SP 4 or later
  • Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition and Enterprise Edition”

For those in the field, virtual servers (of one sort or another) are proving themselves to be cost-effective, flexible, reliable and generally valuable alternatives to setting up and maintaining separate hardware for each server. It’s the way of the future – worth checking out and becoming familiar with.
VSMT DatasheetVSMT White PaperVSMT FAQ