Now that I am a Microsoft MAPS partner, I have all the server and workstation software I can shake my hat at.
So I am going to build myself a new server that runs Server 2012 with Exchange 2013. But I also want to run PHP and MySQL 64 bit. I also have data that I want to transfer from my old server to the new one, to see if it all works.
So what better way to try it all out without having to buy a load of new expensive equipment than doing it virtually first to ensure it all hangs together?
My workstation at home has enough ooooomph to handle it although I am in the process of upgrading the RAM from 32 to 64Gb as Windows and Exchange server want as much RAM as you can throw at it. I also need a lot of disk space for the virtual drives, so a 2Tb SATA III is also on its way.
Once I have these popped in, I'll see how it all goes. I am going to assume that the MS virtualisation software won't let me do it and I will have to use the free version of Oracle, as I did have to with Windows 8....
Microsoft do make me chuckle sometimes.