Microsoft To Acquire Desktop Virtualization Vendor Kidaro

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Extra Credit
Opening Up Virtualization

Virtualization is the process of abstracting software from the underlying hardware. It allows multiple operating systems to be run on one physical computer, or multiple instances of the same OS to be run on a single box. Virtualization also allows mobility, allowing a remote worker, for example, to keep a virtual copy of his or her OS on a USB drive, which can then be loaded onto another computer.

Microsoft's Vista had previously been open to virtualization only for the Business and Ultimate editions. But earlier this year, the company expanded the list to include Home Basic and Home Premium.

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Microsoft today announced its intent to acquire Kidaro, a Redwood City, CA-based provider of enterprise desktop virtualization software.

"The acquisition of Kidaro is an important component of our virtualization strategy, and it delivers a powerful new tool to help enterprise customers optimize their desktops," said Shanen Boettcher, general manager of Windows product management at Microsoft, in a prepared statement.

Kidaro's desktop virtualization platform currently works with both VMware and Microsoft solutions. The company also offers software like Desktop DR for disaster recovery, "self-cleaning" security package vDNA and Kidaro To-Go, USB-based desktop virtualization.

According to the announcement, Kidaro's technology will be incorporated into Microsoft's Desktop Optimization Pack for Software Assurance.

"Incorporating Kidaro's innovative solutions into the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack further enables virtualization across the enterprise, and is another example of how we are helping customers keep up with the changing needs of their business," Boettcher continued.

Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

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About the author: Becky Nagel is executive editor, Web Initiatives for the 1105 Redmond Media Group and the editor of Redmondmag.com.

Proposals for articles and tips for news stories, as well as questions and comments about this publication, should be submitted to David Nagel, executive editor, at [email protected].

About the Author

Becky Nagel serves as vice president of AI for 1105 Media specializing in developing media, events and training for companies around AI and generative AI technology. She also regularly writes and reports on AI news for PureAI.com, a site she founded, among others. She's the author of "ChatGPT Prompt 101 Guide for Business Users" and other popular AI resources with a real-world business perspective. She regularly speaks, writes and develops content around AI, generative AI and other business tech. Find her on X/Twitter @beckynagel.

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