Sun xVM VirtualBox 2.0: Open Source Virtualization Platform

Sun Microsystems has released a new version of Sun xVM VirtualBox, its high performance, free and open source desktop virtualization software. Users can run Windows in a virtual machine on a Mac or Linux platform, or run Solaris OS and Windows applications right alongside Apple applications on their MacBook.

Sun xVM VirtualBox supports any operating system as a guest OS, giving users the flexibility to develop applications on their platform of choice. xVM VirtualBox software is the first major open source hypervisor to support the most popular host operating systems (OS), including Mac OS X, Linux, Windows, Solaris and OpenSolaris.

Users of xVM VirtualBox 2.0 software will now benefit from new support for 64-bit versions of operating systems like Windows Vista and RedHat Enterprise Linux, in addition to all other major host operating systems. 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 chips.

xVM VirtualBox software lets users create “virtual machines” into which they can install their operating system of choice, so developers can easily build, test and run cross-platform, multi-tier applications on a single laptop or desktop computer. A mere 20 megabyte download, xVM VirtualBox software is incredibly compact and efficient and installs in less than five minutes.

For the first time enterprises will be able to fully reap the benefits of the xVM VirtualBox platform and deploy it across their organizations with guaranteed technical support from Sun. Customers who purchase an enterprise subscription will receive a Right-to-Use License, allowing them to deploy the xVM VirtualBox platform using their own software deployment tools. Subscriptions start at $30 (USD) per user per year, which includes 24/7 support, and discounts are available based on volume.

“Sun xVM VirtualBox software continues to dominate the desktop virtualization space with over 6.5 million downloads to date and rave reviews from press and customers. Now with xVM VirtualBox 2.0 software and the new enterprise subscription, customers can confidently roll out xVM VirtualBox software across their business,” said Steve Wilson, vice president, xVM, Sun Microsystems. “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.”

xVM VirtualBox software is a key component of Sun’s broader xVM virtualization and management software portfolio, which includes Sun xVM Ops Center, the upcoming Sun xVM Server, and the Sun Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) software. Targeted at end users, developers, SMBs, and enterprises, xVM VirtualBox software is the entry-level offering into the Sun xVM platform and is designed for a broad range of customers of all sizes.