VMM 2008 New Features

Here's a list of some of the key improvements in the RTM version (in comparison to the current Beta) of VMM 2008:

1. Support for managing hosts in a Disjoint Namespace
2. PRO (Performance & Resource Optimization)
1. Support for enabling PRO on non-clustered hosts
2. Automated loading of OpsMgr MPs via "Configure Operations Manager" option in Setup
3. View Script Option – now you can preview the script that PRO will run to implement the PRO Tip
3. Admin Console
1. Network Diagram View graphically shows how your hosts and VMs are connected to networks in your environment (some screen shots to follow)
2. New, more polished UI
4. Self-Service
1. Allow users to mount ISOs
2. Completely overhauled UI
5. VMware management
1. Support for VMware HA along with HA VM creation on VMware clusters
2. Enhanced security for VMware management
3. Management of ESX 3i
6. Global Static MAC Address
1. Configure the range of MAC addresses VMM uses when creating new virtual network devices
7. P2V improvements
1. Support for offline conversion using static IP
2. Storage and network driver detection for offline conversion
3. P2V of domain controller
8. VM Creation
1. Creation of VMs without customization required (templates now have the option of “skipping” customization) so you can use non-Windows templates
2. Product Key encryption by default in Guest OS profile
3. VHD expansion
9. Setup and Installation
1. SQL 2008 Support
2. VMM 2007 to VMM 2008 Migration
3. Ability to install as a domain user in addition to local system

VMM 2008 is scheduled to be released on September 8th.