Comparing performance of different VHD implementations<

One of the great little features in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 is the ability to use virtual hard disks of VHD files in new creative ways. For instance, if you have an operating system installed in a VHD file, you can boot a physical computer/server from that file. Or, you can mount this VHD file as a regular hard disk drive, and so easily transfer your applications and files from one place into another.

For IT people alone, this opens a wide range of possibilities. But developers can benefit as well. For instance, in the future a VHD file might become the standard of application delivery for local installations, but time will tell. Nonetheless, the technology is already there, and just need to be able to use it. Also, there's an API to help managing these files.

However, finding information about things such as performance is presently difficult, as the technology is brand new. However, I've managed to find a nice blog post on Technet detailing about different VHD scenarios. For instance, it can make a big difference whether you create your VHD file fixed or dynamic in size. Read the details here, and scroll down until you see the performance graphs.