Setting Up a Virtual Test Lab Using Microsoft Virtual Server

By: Peter Ballantyne

Being able to run SMS or MOM in a test lab is essential when evaluating new tools, service packs or even the betas of SCCM 2007 or SCOM 2007. However, having the hardware and software necessary to build a multi-server, multi-client network setup is complicated and expensive, and when budgets are tight we often have to make do with older scrap equipment and end up with less than perfect test labs. This is even more difficult if you're trying to set up a test lab at home.

An excellent alternative is to take advantage of Microsoft's new focus on virtualization and build your test lab using Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2. Even a single high-end desktop or modest server-class machine will provide you with the capacity to quickly create an entire virtual network of servers and clients, and best of all, Virtual Server 2005 R2 is a free download. You can create many copies of the Virtual Machines and use one set of VMs for SMS 2003 and a different set for SCCM 2007. The possibilities are almost endless.

This introductory document provides a detailed description of the process for setting up your first virtual lab, and I've included a number of references so you can research the subject further.

Download document (PDF format):

11727Setting Up a Virtual SMS Test Lab Final.zip