Sun Microsystems announced a new version of Sun xVM VirtualBox, its free and open source desktop virtualization software, as well as Sun xVM VirtualBox Software Enterprise Subscription, a new offering for 24/7 premium support for enterprise users.

For the first time enterprises will be able to fully reap the benefits of the xVM VirtualBox platform and deploy it across their organizations with guaranteed technical support from Sun. xVM VirtualBox software is the first major open source hypervisor to support the most popular host operating systems (OS), including Mac OS X, Linux, Windows, Solaris and OpenSolaris.

Users of xVM VirtualBox 2.0 software will benefit from new support for 64-bit versions of operating systems like Windows Vista and RedHat Enterprise Linux, in addition to all other major host operating systems. The software also offers a new user interface for the Mac platform, improved networking for the Mac OS X and Solaris OS, as well as improved performance, especially on AMD chips. Additionally, customers who purchase an enterprise subscription will also receive a Right-to-Use License, allowing them to deploy the xVM VirtualBox platform using their own software deployment tools. Subscriptions start at $30 (USD) per user per year, which includes 24/7 support, and discounts are available based on volume.

“Sun xVM VirtualBox software continues to dominate the desktop virtualization space with over 6.5 million downloads to date and rave reviews from press and customers. Now with xVM VirtualBox 2.0 software and the new enterprise subscription, customers can confidently roll out xVM VirtualBox software across their business,” said Steve Wilson, vice president, xVM, Sun Microsystems. “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. 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.”

xVM VirtualBox software lets users create “virtual machines” into which they can install their operating system of choice, so developers can easily build, test and run cross-platform, multi-tier applications on a single laptop or desktop computer. A mere 20 megabyte download, xVM VirtualBox software is incredibly compact and efficient and installs in less than five minutes.

“With more than 12,000 PCs in German embassies worldwide, we wanted to move to an open source desktop architecture that provided more flexibility and reduced costs. With that goal in mind, we selected xVM VirtualBox software as the migration tool. This choice turned out to be ideal as it allowed our desktop users to continue to use the Windows applications they were familiar with, but on the new desktop platform. Users can’t even tell the difference. The xVM VirtualBox software is that simple and easy to use,” said Torsten Werner, IT Strategist, Federal Foreign Office of Germany.

xVM VirtualBox software is a key component of Sun’s broader xVM virtualization and management software portfolio, which includes Sun xVM Ops Center, the upcoming Sun xVM Server, and the Sun Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) software.