VMware launches desktop alliance

VMware and several business partners have begun an initiative called the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Alliance to try to replace individual PCs with virtual machines on a much smaller number of servers. The alliance includes Citrix, ClearCube Technology, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Wyse Technology, Sun Microsystems, Altiris and Softricity.

VMware's virtualization software, like rival technology from Microsoft and Xen, lets a single computer run several operating systems in compartments called virtual machines. VMware argues that running PCs on centralized virtual machines increases efficiency and eases management.

[boyd087]

Security?

I can't help but notice with all the talk of virtual ware that little comes up about security. Of course I know that there is security in mind with VMware, I'm just wondering if it's enough to allow everyone to share resources on one machine.

Another scary thought: can you imagine what would happen if a server were to go down? It affects a lot more people.

Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of virtualization for running multiple OS's simultaneously but I wonder just how worthwhile it is for companies.