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Hyper-V - originally codenamed Viridian - was originally intended to be launched with Server 2008 back in February.

However, Microsoft couldn't get the software ready in time and said it would have Hyper-V ready within 180 days of Server 2008's launch.

The company has at least breezed past

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that self-imposed deadline, having made the full version of Hyper-V available to download here.

Microsoft claims 1.5 million copies of the beta version of Hyper-V have been distributed, and that 250 companies have participated in the early-adopter scheme.

"It's been designed as a Windows feature, which our customers know, so those with Windows Server certification will be familiar with it; the people who have all the in-house skills on Windows Server will know how to use it," claims Microsoft's general manager of Windows Server marketing, Bill Hilf.

Click here to read Jon Honeyball's thoughts on Hyper-V.