Microsoft has updated a new beta release of its Linux Integration Services, version 2.1, bringing with it some much requested new functionality to Microsoft Hyper-V's Linux support. 

When installed on a virtual machine that is running a supported Linux operating system, the Linux Integration Services for Hyper-V provide the following functionality:

• Driver support for synthetic devices: The Linux Integration Services support the synthetic network controller and the synthetic storage controller that were developed specifically for Hyper-V.
• Fastpath Boot Support for Hyper-V: Boot devices now take advantage of the block Virtualization Service Client (VSC) to provide enhanced performance.
• NEW: Timesync: The clock inside the virtual machine will now remain synchronized with the clock on the host.
• NEW: Integrated Shutdown: Virtual machines running Linux can now be shut down from either the Hyper-V Manager or the VMConnect application using the “Shut Down” command.
• NEW: Symmetric Multi-Processing (SMP) Support: Supported Linux distributions can now properly use up to 4 virtual processors (VP) per virtual machine.

The release is available for download on Microsoft Connect (http://connect.microsoft.com) under the “Linux Integration Services for Microsoft Hyper-V” connection.