What is Virtualization?
Virtualization is a proven software technology that is rapidly transforming the IT landscape and fundamentally changing the way that people compute. Today’s powerful x86 computer hardware was designed to run a single operating system and a single application. This leaves most machines vastly underutilized. Virtualization lets you run multiple virtual machines on a single physical machine, sharing the resources of that single computer across multiple environments. Different virtual machines can run different operating systems and multiple applications on the same physical computer. While others are leaping aboard the virtualization bandwagon now, VMware is the market leader in virtualization. Our technology is production-proven, used by more than 150,000 customers, including 100% of the Fortune 100.
How Does Virtualization Work?
The VMware virtualization platform is built on a business-ready architecture. Use software such as VMware vSphere and VMware ESXi (a free download) to transform or “virtualize” the hardware resources of an x86-based computer—including the CPU, RAM, hard disk and network controller—to create a fully functional virtual machine that can run its own operating system and applications just like a “real” computer. Each virtual machine contains a complete system, eliminating potential conflicts. VMware virtualization works by inserting a thin layer of software directly on the computer hardware or on a host operating system. This contains a virtual machine monitor or “hypervisor” that allocates hardware resources dynamically and transparently. Multiple operating systems run concurrently on a single physical computer and share hardware resources with each other. By encapsulating an entire machine, including CPU, memory, operating system, and network devices, a virtual machine is completely compatible with all standard x86 operating systems, applications, and device drivers. You can safely run several operating systems and applications at the same time on a single computer, with each having access to the resources it needs when it needs them.
In 2007, Microsoft launched Windows Vista and Office 2007 in a big ceremony that was held in New York on January 30th. With Windows 7 a couple of weeks away from its general availability (where it’ll hit store shelves on 22nd of October), some people are wondering whether or not Microsoft is going to have another big launch event for Windows 7. However, Microsoft has its lips sealed about any launch details. Luckily, Mary-Jo Foley has mentioned today in a blog post that Microsoft has sent invitations to several media members and bloggers to attend the launching of its latest OS in New York City:
We also wanted to let you know that you will be receiving an invitation to a Microsoft event in NYC on October 22nd to celebrate the availability and launch of Windows 7. With Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer speaking and exciting new hardware from our partners, we’re looking forward to sharing Windows 7 with the world.
It’s also worth mentioning again that Microsoft will also sponsor a business tour in the USA that runs from September 28th and November 4th where it will discuss: Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 and Exchange Server 2010. What’s interesting is that many will attend just to get a hold of a free copy of Windows 7 Professional that Microsoft will give out!
Windows Vista’s launch event featured aerial dancers forming the Windows Vista and Office 2007 logos. What do you expect in Windows 7’s launch event and are you going to attend it?
Sources: Neowin and Mary Jo Foley: “All About Microsoft”