Microsoft today spat out a release candidate build of its delayed virtualisation software Hyper-V.

The firm said it has finally reached the inbetweeny post-beta, pre-final release stage for its hypervisor, originally code-named Viridian. Microsoft didn’t say whether the release candidate will be the last code tweak, but did confirm that it's on schedule to pump out a full final version of Hyper-V by August.

However, given Redmond’s track record, it’s fair to assume that a second release candidate will turn up in the coming weeks. The hint is in the statement (http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/mar08/03-19RCHyperVPR.mspx?rss_fdn=Press%20Releases) which described today’s RC as containing “updated, near-final code”.

Microsoft “launched” Hyper-V last month at its Heroes Happen Here event (http://www.regdeveloper.co.uk/2008/02/27/windows_server_2008_launch/), even though all it could offer customers was an incomplete, beta version of the software.

And, in a direct challenge to virtualisation market leader VMWare, Microsoft also said today it has tied up pre-install agreements with HP, Dell, IBM and Fujitsu Siemens Computers, among others, all of whom plan to load Hyper-V on their servers.

Last month, while Microsoft was faffing about with champagne corks and indoor, remote controlled helicopters, VMWare decided to crash the party (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/26/vmware_dell_hp_ibm_fujitsu_siemens/) somewhat by announcing that it had inked deals with a number of big name computer vendors to pre-install its software onto their machines.

Microsoft said that today’s RC, available for download from its website, can be used on a number of its operating systems including Windows Vista SP1 – which finally, kind of (http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2008/03/18/windows_vista_first_sp/) arrived yesterday, and Windows XP SP3, still missing in action (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/20/xp_sp3_release_candidate_2/).

We asked the company when customers who are unwilling to upgrade to its unloved Vista OS can expect to see the final service pack for XP arrive. A Microsoft spokeswoman told El Reg in a statement:

“We are targeting 1H 2008 for the release of XP SP3 RTM, though our timing will always be based on customer feedback as a first priority.” ®

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