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 Microsoft Buys Kidaro To Bulk Up Virtualization
“Microsoft continues to step up its virtualization push, with the acquisition of desktop virtualization management software developer Kidaro.”
Seattle -- In a move to strengthen its virtualization portfolio, Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday announced that it intends to acquire four-year-old Israeli firm Kidaro, a leading provider of desktop virtualization solutions for enterprises.
“According to Microsoft, the Kidaro technology will be made available as part of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack for Software Assurance, which will provide management for virtual PCs.”
Though Microsoft already has a product, Virtual PC, for desktop virtualization, it is unmanaged. Kidaro offers management technology aimed at making it easier for enterprises to deploy, use and manage virtual PCs. The platform comprises several components including a client that handles encryption and firewall security and integrates the virtual machine applications into the end-user computer. The management server assigns configurations and security policies for users and compiles information about clients for monitoring and auditing.
“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.
Businesses would typically use Kidaro with Virtual PC to access legacy applications that the software will help accelerate migration to Windows Vista because it can minimize compatibility issues between applications and the OS. That way, businesses struggling with application compatibility in Windows Vista, for example, would gain a work-around. In addition, the software makes the use of virtualization less noticeable to end users, that should also speed adoption, Microsoft said.
“The challenge we have with Virtual PC today is it does not have enterprise-level management and deployment with it and the user experience could be improved,” said Gavriella Schuster, a senior director in Microsoft’s Windows unit. Schuster said that Kidaro’s technology helps on both scores. In addition to tools for setting up and managing virtual machines, Kidaro has technology that makes virtual machines less jarring for users, making them appear to be part of the standard desktop. (Parallels has a similar feature in its Windows-on-Mac virtualization product)
“Virtualization is one of the fastest-growing segments of the software industry because it expands the traditional business model that combines one machine to one piece of software like an operating system.”
Kidaro’s technology can also be distributed using “Kidaro ToGo,” a USB flash drive with a virtualized OS and applications. Users could insert the key into a public PC at a coffee shop or library and have access to an approved corporate OS and applications, according to the company.
Virtualization is gained popularity in the management of powerful computer servers. The software giant is also working on virtualization technology for Windows Server 2008 that is starting to gain momentum in managing PC desktops.
Schuster declined to give financial details on the deal for the privately held firm, which has 35 employees, with its development based in Israel. Schuster said Kidaro’s three founders are remaining with Microsoft and will continue to lead the product’s development in Israel.
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