Microsoft is on a mission. A mission to make virtualization mainstream. And as far as the Redmond company is concerned, it all revolves around Windows Server 2008 and Hyper-V, the hypervisor integrated as a role in the server operating system. The Microsoft Virtualization Deployment Summit was the stage where the company presented its vision and strategy for virtualization, designed to accelerate the adoption of the technology. Not only has Microsoft expanded its partnership with Citrix, but it has also announced the acquisition of Calista Technologies. In the end, the Redmond company aims to enhance the current experience associated with virtualized desktops and applications, new offerings and a boosted interoperability level as far as client and server virtualization is concerned, as well as new tools set up to streamline the deployment of Microsoft virtualization solutions.

"Very few customers are able to reap the benefits of virtualization today. We estimate that less than 5 percent of companies are utilizing virtualization technology because it is simply too cost-prohibitive and complex. We believe Microsoft's comprehensive approach - from desktop to datacenter - is unique to the industry by delivering solutions that address virtualization 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," revealed Bob Muglia, senior vice present of the Server and Tools Business at Microsoft.

According to the Redmond company, the strategy it has articulated in order to drive the broad adoption of virtualization is focused on delivering flexibility for virtualization software, addressed at both the client and server side and on making available integrated management solutions. In this context, the addition of Calista's own technologies is just a small piece of the Microsoft virtualization puzzle that extends to interoperability with Citrix solutions, but also to Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, Windows Vista Enterprise Centralized Desktop and Terminal Services, Hyper-V and new Virtualization Solution Accelerators. Essentially, Microsoft wants to catch up on no less than four waited decades since virtualization technology was made available, but never managed to become mainstream.

"Calista software improves the user experience of 3-D and multimedia delivery for Microsoft multimedia applications, virtualized desktop deployments, and server-hosted virtualized desktops or applications using Windows Server Terminal Services. The addition of Calista's technology to future Microsoft presentation and desktop virtualization products will enable remote workers to receive a full-fidelity Windows desktop experience without the need for high-end desktop hardware, while enabling software vendors to deliver additional capabilities. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed," Microsoft stated.