GOC

Sun Microsystems (News - Alert) has announced a new version of Sun xVM VirtualBox, a free open source desktop virtualization software, and also Sun xVM VirtualBox software enterprise subscription, a new offering for 24/7 support for enterprise users.

 

Enterprises can now deploy xVM VirtualBox platform across their organizations and get guaranteed technical support from Sun.  xVM VirtualBox software, an open source hypervisor, supports most of the host operating systems (OS), including Mac OS X, Linux, Windows, Solaris and OpenSolaris.

 

This Sun Microsystems’ software lets users create “virtual machines” into which they can install their operating system of choice, allowing developers to build, test and run cross-platform, multi-tier applications on a single laptop or desktop computer.

 

The new version of xVM VirtualBox 2.0 software now support 64-bit versions of operating systems like Windows Vista and RedHat Enterprise Linux, in addition to all other host operating systems.

 

In addition, the software also offers a new user interface for the Mac platform, improved networking for the Mac OS X and Solaris OS, as well as improved performance, especially on AMD (News - Alert) chips.

 

Company officials said that the customers who purchase an enterprise subscription will receive a “Right-to-Use License.” It allows customers to deploy the xVM VirtualBox platform using their own software deployment tools.

 

Steve Wilson, vice president for xVM at Sun Microsystems, said that now with xVM VirtualBox 2.0 software and the new enterprise subscription, customers can confidently roll out xVM VirtualBox software across their business.

 

He also said in a statement that virtual desktops, such as those provided by the xVM VirtualBox software, are the future of business desktops because they are more flexible, manageable and secure than traditional PC architectures.

 

“Enterprises will be thrilled with the xVM VirtualBox platform because it provides them an easier way to deliver a standard operating environment across their enterprises,” said Wilson.

 

Sun Microsystems also said that German Federal Government has selected xVM VirtualBox Software.

 

“With more than 12,000 PCs in German embassies worldwide, we wanted to move to an open source desktop architecture that provided more flexibility and reduced costs. With that goal in mind, we selected xVM VirtualBox software as the migration tool,” said Torsten Werner, IT Strategist at Federal Foreign Office of Germany

 

He said that this choice turned out to be “ideal” as it allowed the desktop users to continue to use the Windows applications they were familiar with, but on the new desktop platform.

 

“Users can't even tell the difference. The xVM VirtualBox software is that simple and easy to use,” he said.