Microsoft Server Software is the backbone of many organizations, powering critical operations and services. As virtualization technologies have matured, the deployment of server software in virtual environments has become increasingly common. This article delves into Microsoft’s support policy for running its server software within supported virtualization environments, providing a clear understanding for IT professionals and businesses alike.
Understanding Microsoft’s Virtualization Support Policy
Microsoft recognizes the benefits of virtualization and offers robust support for its server software when deployed in validated virtual environments. This support ensures that organizations can leverage virtualization for increased efficiency, scalability, and cost savings without compromising on the reliability and support of their Microsoft software.
This policy primarily applies to Microsoft server software operating within the following supported virtualization environments:
- Windows Server with Hyper-V: Starting with Windows Server 2008 and continuing with later versions, Hyper-V provides a powerful and integrated virtualization platform.
- Microsoft Hyper-V Server: Beginning with the 2008 version, Microsoft Hyper-V Server offers a standalone, free hypervisor for organizations focused solely on virtualization.
- Server Virtualization Validation Program (SVVP) validated environments: Microsoft’s SVVP program validates third-party virtualization solutions, ensuring compatibility and support for Microsoft server software. You can find a comprehensive list of validated solutions in the Windows Server Catalog.
Microsoft’s support for server software in these environments is governed by the Microsoft Support Lifecycle policy. This policy outlines the duration and scope of support provided for each Microsoft product. It’s crucial to consult the lifecycle policy for specific software versions to understand the support timelines.
Important Note on Software Versions: For certain Microsoft server software, specific versions or service packs are prerequisites for virtualization support. This article meticulously outlines these version requirements, and it’s essential to adhere to these guidelines to maintain full Microsoft support. Always refer to the latest documentation as supported versions may be updated.
Exclusions: SPLA and Specific Hardware Requirements:
It’s important to note that the Server Virtualization Validation Program (SVVP) does not extend to vendors hosting Windows Server or other Microsoft products under the Microsoft Service Provider License Agreement Program (SPLA). For SPLA customers, support is directly provided by the SPLA hoster as per the SPLA agreement. SPLA customers should always contact their hoster for any support needs.
Furthermore, not all applications are ideally suited for virtualization. Applications with stringent hardware dependencies, such as those requiring direct access to physical PCI cards, may not be fully supported in a virtual machine environment. This limitation stems from the inherent abstraction of hardware resources in virtual machines.
Microsoft Server Software Support Details
The following sections detail the support status for various Microsoft server software products within the supported virtualization environments.
Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V)
Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) versions 4.5 and later, including components like Management Server, Publishing Server, Sequencer, Terminal Services Client, and Desktop Client, are fully supported in virtualized environments.
Microsoft BizTalk Server
Microsoft BizTalk Server, starting from BizTalk Server 2004, including BizTalk Server 2006, BizTalk Server 2006 R2, and BizTalk Server 2009, enjoys full support when installed on a supported operating system running on Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V or later validated virtualization platforms.
For deeper insights, refer to Microsoft BizTalk Server supportability on a virtual machine.
Microsoft Commerce Server
Microsoft Commerce Server 2007 Service Pack 2 and subsequent versions are supported for virtualization.
Microsoft Dynamics AX
Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 (both server and client components) and all later versions are supported in virtualized deployments.
Microsoft Dynamics CRM
Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 and all newer versions are supported within the defined virtualization environments.
Microsoft Dynamics GP
Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 and later versions are supported for virtualization.
Microsoft Dynamics NAV
Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 and all subsequent versions are supported in virtualized setups.
Microsoft Exchange Server
Microsoft Exchange Server virtualization is fully supported starting with Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 1.
For detailed support policies and best practices for Exchange Server, consult: Microsoft Support Policies and Recommendations for Exchange Servers in Hardware Virtualization Environments.
For deployment guidance, see:
Microsoft Forefront Security Products
The following Microsoft Forefront security products are supported in virtualized environments:
- Microsoft Forefront Client Security
- Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010 and later
- Microsoft Forefront Identity Manager 2010 and later
- Microsoft Intelligent Application Gateway (IAG) 2007 Service Pack 2 and later
- Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server Service Pack 1 (SP1) or higher
- Microsoft Forefront Security for SharePoint Service Pack 2 (SP2) or higher
Microsoft Host Integration Server
Microsoft Host Integration Server 2006 and later versions are supported.
Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server
Microsoft ISA Server is supported. For security considerations in virtualized deployments, refer to: Security Considerations with Forefront Edge Virtual Deployments.
Microsoft Office Groove Server
Microsoft Office Groove Server 2007 Service Pack 1 and later versions are supported.
Important: The virtual machine hosting Microsoft Office Groove Server Relay should be configured to utilize a physical hard disk and not a virtual hard disk for optimal performance and supportability.
Microsoft Office PerformancePoint Server
Microsoft Office PerformancePoint Server 2007 Service Pack 2 and later versions are supported.
Microsoft Office Project Server
Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Service Pack 1 and later versions are supported.
Microsoft Office SharePoint Server and Windows SharePoint Services
Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Service Pack 1 and later versions are supported. Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 Service Pack 1 and later versions are also supported.
Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) 2005
Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) 2005 Service Pack 1 (agents only) is supported. For configuration details, see: Microsoft Operations Manager 2005 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Supported Configurations.
Note: System Center Operations Manager 2007 or a later version is required for managing Windows Server 2008 and newer operating systems.
Microsoft Search Server
Microsoft Search Server 2008 and later versions are supported.
Windows Essential Business Server 2008 and Windows Small Business Server 2008
Windows Essential Business Server 2008 and later, as well as Windows Small Business Server 2008 and later versions, are supported in virtualized environments.
Microsoft SQL Server
For detailed support policies regarding Microsoft SQL Server in virtualized environments, please refer to: Support policy for Microsoft SQL Server products that are running in a hardware virtualization environment.
Microsoft System Center Suite
The following Microsoft System Center products are supported:
- System Center Configuration Manager (current branch and System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Service Pack 1 and later for both server and agents)
- Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager 2007 (with specific storage configurations as detailed below)
- Microsoft System Center Essentials 2007 Service Pack 1 and later
- Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007 (both server and agents) and later. See Operations Manager 2007 R2 Supported Configurations for more information.
- Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 (both server and agents) and later
- Microsoft System Center Service Manager 2010 and later. Consult the System Center Service Manager 2010 SP1 Planning Guide for further details.
Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager Storage Note: When running Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager 2007 in a virtual machine, the DPM storage pool disks must be presented directly to the DPM virtual machine as pass-through disks, iSCSI target disks, or FC SAN target disks. Backup of virtual machines can be performed using a DPM agent on the host or directly within the virtual machine.
Microsoft Visual Studio Team System
Microsoft Visual Studio Team System 2008 and later versions are supported.
Microsoft Windows HPC Server 2008
Microsoft Windows HPC Server 2008 and later versions are supported.
Windows Server 2003 Web Edition
Windows Server 2003 Web Edition with Service Pack 2 is supported.
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services 3.0 Service Pack 1 and later versions are supported.
Windows Web Server 2008
Windows Web Server 2008 is supported.
Identity Lifecycle Manager 2007
Identity Lifecycle Manager (ILM) 2007 Feature Pack 1 (FP1) (with the latest updates) and later versions are supported.
Microsoft Office Online
Office Online is supported. For more information, visit Office Online.
Opalis Integration Server
Opalis Integration Server 6.2.2 and later versions are supported.
Note: Opalis Integration Server 6.3 or later is required for installation on Windows Server 2008 and later. However, only Integration Packs released with version 6.3 are supported on Windows Server 2008 and later. Older Integration Packs require installation on Windows Server 2003.
Microsoft Lync Server
Microsoft Lync Server 2010 and later versions are supported. For more information, see Server Virtualization in Microsoft Lync Server 2010.
System Center Service Manager (Redundant – Already Listed)
Microsoft System Center Service Manager 2010 and later versions are supported. For more information about support for Service Manager 2010, see System Center Service Manager 2010 SP1 Planning Guide. (This is a duplicate entry and can be removed or merged with the System Center section above)
Conclusion
Microsoft’s commitment to supporting its server software in virtualized environments empowers organizations to embrace virtualization with confidence. By adhering to the guidelines and version requirements outlined in this article and the linked resources, businesses can ensure they receive full Microsoft support while enjoying the numerous benefits of virtualization. Always consult the latest Microsoft documentation for the most up-to-date support policies and recommendations for your specific Microsoft server software deployments.
