14 DAY TRIAL // One thing is clear when comparing Windows 7 and Windows Vista: unlike its precursor, the latest iteration of the Windows client is in no short supply of application support. VMWare, a Microsoft rival when it comes down to the virtualization market, has announced that its latest solutions come with full support for Windows 7. On October 27th, 2009, the virtualization vendor noted that both VMware Workstation 7 and VMware Fusion 3 come with full support for Windows 7.
“This year marks the 10 year anniversary of VMware Workstation, a powerful product that embodies our passion for innovation and our commitment to raising products to new heights with each release,” noted Jocelyn Goldfein, general manager, desktop business unit, VMware. “Workstation 7 continues this tradition with support for Windows Aero graphics, SpringSource Tool Suite integration and much more.”
And when it touts “Best in Class Windows 7 Support” VMware is by no means exaggerating. Customers that will turn to VMware Workstation 7 will be able to run both the 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) flavors of Windows 7, and even enjoy the evolved Windows Aero graphical user interface, complete with features such as Flip 3D and Aero Peek.
VMware Fusion 3 sports over 50 new features the company noted, and the product continues to be pushed to Apple customers with Mac computers that want to run Windows. At a time when Apple is yet to introduce Boot Camp support for Windows 7, VMware Fusion 3 allows Mac owners to install and run the latest OS from Microsoft, and even enjoy the entire range of visual bells and whistles associated with Windows Aero.
“I am not a virtualization guru, in fact, I know very little about how it all works, but as an early VMware Fusion 3 user, I don't need to – it just works,” noted Dale Puckett, director of operations, Brainworks Software. “At work I use a Dell laptop running 64-bit Windows 7. At night and on the weekends, VMware Fusion 3 makes it possible for me to continue my development using my iMac running Windows 7 side-by-side with Snow Leopard. And as a Microsoft developer, support for features like Windows Aero makes all the difference in the world. ”
VMware Workstation 7 comes with a price tag of $189.00 for the full product, while upgrades go for $99. VMware Fusion 3 costs $79.99 for the full license, and $39.99 for the upgrade.
VMware Workstation 7 is available for download here. VMware Fusion 3 is available for download here.