Vista System: Desktop Virtual Technology

        On June 6th, Microsoft advised companies not to miss Vista and wait for Windows 7, while quietly improving their desktop virtualization software. Desktop virtualization software helps eliminate barriers to application virtualization, such as application compatibility. Microsoft completed the acquisition of desktop virtualization software vendor Kidaro TechnologIEs last month and plans to use the company's technology to develop a new product called Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization. Microsoft plans to release the new product in the first half of next year. According to the Microsoft Windows Vista team's blog, Kidaro's technology enables users to run multiple Windows applications simultaneously on a single desktop, with windows and menus having no effect on each other. This will solve the problems caused by running the old version of the application on the new operating system to a certain extent. Microsoft will also integrate Kidaro's desktop virtualization technology into its Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP). Microsoft released the Vista version of MDOP last July, making it easier for enterprise customers to deploy Vista on multiple desktop systems. For months, Microsoft officials have been sparing no effort to promote the company's applications and desktop virtualization strategies in private or public. Virtual technology will at least help solve one of the main obstacles for enterprises to upgrade to Vista: enable legacy software to run smoothly under Vista without rewriting application software. Ray OzzIE, Microsoft's chief software designer, sang a hymn to Microsoft's desktop virtualization strategy at a conference last week, highlighting how virtual technology solves compatibility issues. He said, "This is the best way to resolve compatibility. While we continue to improve the desktop operating system, we will use virtualization technology to ensure compatibility between the application and the operating system." Application compatibility has always been an unwillingness for enterprises to upgrade to One of the reasons for Vista. Microsoft released a white paper on Wednesday urging companies to upgrade to Vista as soon as possible. Recently, more and more media have reported that companies will be directly upgraded to Windows 7 by bypassing Vista. Microsoft listed five reasons why companies should upgrade to Vista as soon as possible: increased system and data security, unlocked laptops, increased employee productivity, accelerated return on investment, and reduced support and management costs. The effect of Microsoft's Vista campaign remains to be seen. However, Microsoft's virtualization technology is more effective in promoting Vista's popularity than any of its marketing activities.