Targeted at server, desktop, and embedded platforms based on x86, the mostly open source VirtualBox lets users run their favorite software, Sun says, while enabling developers convenience when building, testing, and running "cross-platform, multi-tier applications." It does this by enabling development and target systems to share a single physical host. Supported target "platforms" include Windows, Linux, OpenSolaris, Solaris, and Mac OS X.

The Beta 1 release of version 3.0 is bleeding edge, caution the project leaders. New features are said to include:

• Guest SMP support for up to 32 virtual CPUs (VT-x and AMD-V only)
  
  
• Ability to use Direct3D 8/9 applications and games (Windows guests only; experimental)
  
  
• Support for OpenGL 2.0 for Windows, Linux, and Solaris guests
  
  
• New USB support for high-speed isochronous endpoints
  
  
• Enhanced support for Windows 7 RDP client.
  
  
• VirtualBox Python API can now be installed automatically with Windows host installer (requires Python and Win32 Extensions installed)
  
  
• Multiple fixes and minor additions related to VMM, GUI, VHD, among others

In April, Sun released VirtualBox 2.2, adding support for the Open Virtualization Format (OVF), enabling users to build virtual machines, and then export them from development to production environments. VirtualBox 2.2 also added improved hypervisor optimization, as well as 3D graphics acceleration for Linux and Solaris applications. Last December, Sun released VirtualBox 2.1, featuring improved 64-bit support, 3D acceleration, easier Linux and Windows networking, hardware virtualization on Macs, and "full" VMDK/VHD support, including snapshots.

An uncertain future under Oracle

Following the release of VirtualBox 2.2 in April, Sun accepted a bid by database giant Oracle to acquire the troubled company in a deal worth $7.4 billion. At the time, analysts predicted that when the deal goes through later this summer, Oracle will jettison most, if not all of Sun's open source projects.

This may be especially true of VirtualBox, since Oracle acquired virtualization firm Virtual Iron in May. In addition to fielding Virtual Iron's Xen-based virtualization product, the company already offers its own Xen-based software, Oracle Enterprise VM. Meanwhile, Oracle will also need to find a role for Sun's xVM Server and Solaris Containers virtualization products.

Availability

An early beta version of VirtualBox 3.0 is now available for free download. More information and links to downloads may be found here.

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