InfoWorld review: Desktop virtualization for Windows and Linux heats up

“Desktop virtualization is one of those technologies that
confound the experts. Just when you think you’ve got it figured
out, along comes some interloping development to upset the apple
cart. Most recently, that role has fallen to Sun’s VirtualBox, the
plucky open source VM solution that’s quickly gobbling up the
general-purpose desktop virtualization space left vacant by
Microsoft and VMware. Users from the three major platforms —
Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux — are flocking to VirtualBox for its
scalability, robust networking, and bargain price point (it’s
free).

“Meanwhile, VMware continues to steer its flagship Workstation
offering away from the general-purpose space and toward its
lucrative niches in the software development, help desk operations,
and server virtualization and VDI support markets. At the same
time, Parallels has finally seen fit to deliver a version of
Parallels Desktop for Windows that’s on par with its Mac product,
complete with USB device integration, bridged networking, and guest
OS SMP support. And up in Redmond, the sinewy remains of the once
proud Virtual PC continue to wither away as Microsoft completes the
product’s transformation from versatile VMware challenger to
brain-dead host for Windows 7’s Windows XP Mode compatibility
layer.”

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