Sun Microsystems, the maker of Java, has recently updated VirtualBox, the free yet powerful x86 virtualization tool, along with the VirtualBox SDK, currently at version 2.2.0 Build 44647 Beta 1. According to the release notes, VirtualBox now offers experimental support for OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) hosts running both the 64-bit and the 32-bit kernel.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. The latest version of Sun's xVM VirtualBox software also includes OVF (Open Virtualization Format) appliance import and export; host-only networking mode; hypervisor optimizations with significant performance gains for high context; switching rates; VT-x/AMD-V enabled by default for newly created virtual machines; USB (OHCI & EHCI) enabled by default for newly created virtual machines; experimental USB support for OpenSolaris hosts; shared folders for Solaris and OpenSolaris guests; OpenGL 3d acceleration for Linux and Solaris guests and more.

As noted above, Sun has been able to create experimental support for Snow Leopard hosts running the 64-bit kernel, as well as the 32-bit version. Dozens of changes and improvements have been made to the VirtualBox SDK as well, all of which are listed here.

"Virtual desktops, such as those provided by the xVM VirtualBox software, are the future of business desktops because they are more flexible, manageable and secure than traditional PC architectures," said Steve Wilson, vice president, xVM, Sun Microsystems. "Enterprises will be thrilled with the xVM VirtualBox platform because it provides them an easier way to deliver a standard operating environment across their enterprises."

Sun Microsystems' VirtualBox lets users create virtual machines in which they can install their operating system of choice. The solution is similar to those advertised and sold by VMware (VMware Fusion), or Parallels (Parallels Desktop). However, unlike these two, VirtualBox is free to download and use for anyone packing the necessary hardware. The software is a feature rich, high performance product for enterprise customers Available as Open Source Software, VirtualBoz is licensed under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL).

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