VMWare prepares for OS X virtualisation

Virtual machine vendor VMWare is developing a version of its technology for Apple's OS X operating system.

The company disclosed the move on its website and it coincided with Apple's World Wide Developers Conference in San Francisco.

The VMWare software allows users to run Windows or Linux software on top of Apple's operating system. VMWare is one of the largest suppliers of virtualisation technology.

The technology offers a more elegant alternative to Apple's Boot Camp technology that the computer maker introduced last April. It lets users start up their Mac computer in an OS X or Windows mode, but does not allow them to run both operating systems simultaneously.

Virtualisation technology has been around for longer on the OS X platform through applications such as Microsoft's Virtual PC and Parallels.

VMWare, a subsidiary of storage vendor EMC, is considered to be an established vendor in the enterprise IT space. It's technology could be more appealing to enterprises because it now allows users to move virtual machines between systems regardless of the native operating system.

The company earlier this year dropped all licence fees for its entry level products, while it will continue to charge for enterprise versions and support.

VMWare plans to release a beta of its OS X software later this year, but hasn't as yet release pricing information.