Microsoft to alleviate Vista compatibilities with new desktop virtualization software
By Jonathan Schlaffer
Vista has problems with being compatible with older software and drivers, but Microsoft may have a new weapon in its arsenal to combat that. It recently acquired Kidaro Technologies, a desktop-virtualization software vendor which could allow the company to produce virtualization for Vista that would eliminate some or all compatibility issues.
The plan, which is to release a new software package called Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization, is due for release in the first half of next year according to ComputerWorld.
The software will allow applications from several different versions of Windows to be run simultaneously on the same PC. It will have a seamless windowing and menu system, which should not be confusing to users.
Kidaro’s package will be combined into the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, which will form the Enterprise Desktop package.
Chief software architect Ray Ozzie said,
"It’s really the ultimate way of ensuring that, if you have written an application in the desktop environment, you can run it in another version of the OS. As we make further and further improvements in the desktop, we’ll make use of virtualization technology to ensure that compatibility continues."
Vista doesn’t have the greatest track record when it comes to application compatibility, so this may be a way for Microsoft to get Vista running those old(er) programs. This way, third-party software vendors won’t have to worry about updating the older programs, provided you buy the Desktop Virtualization package.
It may not even be sold separately from Vista; it’s possible that you will have to buy the Enterprise version of Vista to get this, and consumers are not eligible to purchase that version.
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June 16th, 2008
As long as it’s a client-server solution, I don’t see how it can “alleviate Vista’s compatibility issues.” This is just a FUD article.
June 16th, 2008
Just because you dont understand a technology, doesnt mean that the article is false. Read up on the product and you’ll understand.
It actually runs a mini virtual machine on the computer, and publishes the application to the native desktop. However much of what the application “sees” is the local system and not the virtual machine.