This from Paul Thurrott's recent newsletter may be of some interest: Commentary: One Small Step for Virtualization, One Bigger Step to Come by Paul Thurrott, News Editor, thurrott@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Microsoft this week announced the availability of its VHD Test Drive Program, through which customers can download and install fully working virtual machine (VM) environments in Microsoft's VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) format. The program, which appears to be similar to VMware's virtual appliance concept, provides evaluation and trial versions of Windows Server 2003 R2, Exchange Server 2007, SQL Server 2005, and, presumably, other Microsoft software in easily digestible, already installed and configured virtual environments. All customers need to do is install Virtual Server 2005 R2-- available now for free via the Microsoft Web site--and begin installing the solutions they're interested in. In the next 60 to 90 days, Microsoft partners such as BEA Systems, Checkpoint Technologies, Citrix Systems, HP, and Network Appliance will begin delivering free VHD-based trials as well, Microsoft tells me. To read the rest of this article, click the following link: http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=3F1F2:27DDB Jim Kenzig Microsoft MVP - Terminal Services Citrix Technology Professional Provision Networks VIP CEO The Kenzig Group http://www.kenzig.com Blog: http://www.techblink.com Terminal Services Downloads: http://www.thinhelp.com