Microsoft has started its virtual hard drive program. It allows potential customers to demo software without the pain of installation. From the Microsoft website:
“Using the power of virtual machines, you can now quickly evaluate Microsoft and partner solutions through a series of pre-configured Virtual Hard Disks (VHD). You can download the VHDs and evaluate them for free in your own environment without the need for dedicated servers or complex installations. Start now by selecting a lab from the VHD catalog below.”
The website that was unveiled to the world yesterday: http://www.microsoft.com/vhd (November 6th 2006) Has downloads for Windows 2003 R2, Exchange Server 2007, and SQL Server 2005
The great part about the VHD program is that you can easily determine what will work for you without getting your hands dirty. No extra servers to setup, just download and run in a virtual session.
On the flip side of that argument I hope this does not encourage Microsoft to drop their 180 day trial program. Sometimes a virtual machine does not give you enough information to determine what works right for your organization.