Sun updates desktop virtualisation tools

Sun's VirtualBox lets firms turn PCs into virtual machines

Sun Microsystems has announced an update to its xVM VirtualBox 2.0 software and a new Enterprise Support Subscription package designed to make it easier for firms to adopt desktop virtualisation software.

VirtualBox lets firms turn PCs into virtual machines, meaning that they can run a variety of different operating systems.

Sun said that the new version of VirtualBox, combined with the new Software Enterprise Subscription, provides free high-performance tools that combine with 24x7 support for enterprise users.

By using a combination of the two, Sun claimed that companies could make the most of their VirtualBox facilities and deploy them easily across the enterprise.

VirtualBox is an open source hypervisor which the vendor said is the first of its kind to support the most popular operating systems. Sun lists these as Mac OS X, Linux, Windows, Solaris and OpenSolaris.

Included in the new release is a new user interface, improved networking and performance boosts, according to the vendor.

"Sun xVM VirtualBox software continues to dominate the desktop virtualisation space with over 6.5 million downloads to date," said Steve Wilson, vice president of xVM at Sun.

"Now with xVM VirtualBox 2.0 software and the new enterprise subscription, customers can confidently roll out xVM VirtualBox software across their business.

"Virtual desktops are the future of business desktops because they are more flexible, manageable and secure than traditional PC architectures."

Subscriptions start at $30 (£17) per user per year which includes 24/7 support. Discounts are available based on volume.