We talk about virtualisation products a lot here at UWHS, and now VMware have released Workstation 8.
Here is what they said:
We are incredibly excited about the release of VMware Workstation 8. In what some team members have called the biggest improvements in a decade, VMware Workstation 8 is your on-ramp to the cloud. With over 50 new features that include connectivity to vSphere, shared VMs, revamped UI, and ability to run the VMware Micro Cloud Foundry, it’s going to change the way you work with VMs. Let’s take a look at what Workstation 8 can do.
From your PC to the datacenter
As you and your organization start your journey to the cloud, Workstation 8 can help. Build and run a full web or cloud environment, including VMware Micro Cloud Foundry, right on your PC. Then when you are ready to move your virtual machines to the internal cloud, you simply drag and drop to upload them to vSphere.
Start sharing the benefits
Up until now Workstation has been limited to virtual machines running locally on your PC. Workstation 8 can run as a server to share virtual machines or host applications for your team, department or anyone else in your organization with enterprise-caliber control over user access. Say goodbye to the time consuming process of copying virtual machines to file servers or USB hard drives to share them.
Gain anytime, anywhere access
With Workstation 8 we have embraced the cloud. Workstation 8 can remotely connect to virtual machines running on vSphere, vCenter, and even another copy of Workstation on your network. Now you can leverage your PC and the internal cloud to access all of the virtual machines you need, regardless of where they are running.
New UI, new way to work
To harness all this power and connectivity, the Workstation 8 user interface has been completely revamped and streamlined with simplified menus, folder views, a live thumbnail bar and a new virtual machine library. The new virtual machine library makes it easy to view your local and remote virtual machines. Use search to quickly find the virtual machines that you need, whether they are running on your local PC, vSphere, or another instance of Workstation 8 on the network.
Run the most demanding applications
Workstation 8 continues to raise the bar in what you can do with a virtual machine. Workstation 8 supports 64GB RAM, HD audio, USB 3, and Bluetooth devices in a virtual machine with enhanced virtual SMP and 3D graphics performance. Workstation 8 is so powerful you can even run 64-bit virtual machines on vSphere which itself is running in a Workstation 8 virtual machine. This is not for the faint of heart!
For the complete list of new features, check out the release notes. Watch this blog for a deep dive into Workstation 8 features over the next few weeks.
Availability and pricing
VMware Workstation 8 is immediately available for purchase from the VMware online store for $199 and upgrades from VMware Workstation 6.x and 7.x are available for $99. VMware Workstation can also be purchased through VMware’s network of resellers and distributors. Or download a free 30-day trial. Customers with active VMware Basic or Production Support and Subscription Service can upgrade here.
What if I just bought VMware Workstation 7?
Customers who have purchased VMware Workstation 7 between 08/01/2011 and 09/30/2011 are eligible for a complimentary electronic upgrade under the VMware Workstation 8 Technology Guarantee Program. To get your complimentary electronic upgrade click here.
