VMware Server 2 on Windows 2008 Server Core?

You know how when you have a possibly zany idea you first do some web searches to see if anyone has already done it? That’s where I’m at with this one… problem is that I haven’t found anyone who’s done it yet!

I currently run VMware Server 2.0 on an older server. It all works OK, but running Windows 2003 R2 as the “host” OS isn’t as lightweight as I’d like it to be. I suspect my VM clients would get a bit more oomph from a leaner OS install as host.

I’ve considered switching the box over to the (also free) ESXi platform but my hardware isn’t quite compatible. Based on some other compatibility lists I think I’m pretty close but not quite sure I’m ready to give it a shot.

I looked at Microsoft’s Hyper-V but my hardware is definitely not compatible for that one. In particular, my CPUs are lacking the hardware-assisted virtualization stuff. Interesting looking technology, but not for folks trying to re-purpose older servers, that’s for sure.

And that all leads me to the idea of the week: Why not run VMware Server 2 on Windows 2008 Server Core? Core is lean and mean with no GUI and would free up more resources to be used by my VM clients. I’m reasonably certain it’ll run on the hardware, I’m just not sure if it’ll host VMware Server — well heck, the real question is can I even make it through the installer?

Anyone done it? Or know somebody who has? It seems like a good compromise…

Possibly Related posts:

1. VMware Server 2 on Win 2k8 Server Core – Part 2
2. Final Post on That VMware Server on Windows 2008 Server Core Thing
3. Server 2008 Changing with SP2
4. VMware Server 2.0 beta – First Look
5. VMware Server FTW!