Virtualization technology continues to be a hot topic in the industry and is sure to ignite spirited conversations at the15th annual Microsoft Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) this week. Virtualization is a key technology for reducing the cost and complexity of IT management, and Microsoft has committed significant resources to making virtualization more broadly accessible and affordable for customers.

At WinHEC, which runs May 23-25 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center here), Bob Muglia. Microsoft’s senior vice president of the Server and Tools Business, will provide updates on Microsoft’s new virtualization solutions. Of special note:

• Windows Server virtualization: Microsoft’s hypervisor-based solution is on track to be available with the upcoming Microsoft Windows Server “Longhorn” operating system. Microsoft anticipates having a beta release of Windows Server virtualization by the end of 2006 and plans to release to manufacturing (RTM) within 180 days of Windows Server “Longhorn” RTM.
• Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager: Formerly code-named “Carmine,” this technology is a centralized, enterprise management solution for the virtualized data center. System Center Virtual Machine Manager is part of the System Center family of products and is due for beta release within the next 90 days. Microsoft anticipates release to manufacturing (RTM) in the second half of 2007.
• Intent to acquire Softricity, Inc: Softricity’s application virtualization and streaming technologies provide application compatibility and accelerate corporate desktop transitions to Windows Vista.