Microsoft to accelerate adoption of virtualisation

The latter, says the software giant, is about improving the end-user experience for virtualised desktops and applications. But Microsoft is also talking about more flexible licensing options for virtualisation, using Windows Vista; and new tools that it says provide best practices to deploy Microsoft virtualisation software. “Very few customers are able to reap the benefits of virtualisation today,” comments Bob Muglia, senior vice president of the Server and Tools Business at Microsoft. “We estimate that less than 5% of companies are utilising virtualisation technology, because it is simply too cost-prohibitive and complex.” He suggests that Microsoft’s approach, which spans from the desktop to the data centre, will make a difference because it addresses virtualisation at the hardware, application and management levels. “Our approach is not only one of the most comprehensive in the market today, but we believe it is also one of the most economical. This combination brings a big strategic advantage and cost savings to customers.” Already, users can virtualise nearly all components on their desktops – including operating system, applications, data and preferences – and make them accessible from virtually anywhere and on virtually any machine. Muglia reckons the result is tremendous flexibility for users, combined with new levels of efficiency and agility for IT departments.