Issue
Does Vista support virtualization?
Will Vista run on a virtual PC, VMware, virtual environment?
Product Line
TAC Vista
Environment
- TAC Vista all versions
- VMWare, Player, Workstation and Server
- Microsoft Virtual PC
Cause
For many companies, the largest benefit of server virtualization is in reducing the amount of hardware that is required to run all the software needed by the business. Consolidating servers using a virtualization process not only provides savings in terms of how many physical machines must be bought and maintained, but also potentially reduces the amount of physical space that a company needs for its servers or data centre.
Resolution
Virtualization is a term that allows software in emulating environments, such as VMware / Virtual PC. These software packages emulate a PC environment so that many computers appear to be running on one single machine, thus “virtualization”.
The general impression is that the emulation packages work very well. The user must be familiar with the emulating product in order to be able to do the correct settings.
No matter if it runs on PC hardware or in an emulating environment, the specific product is supported given the problems are related to the Software itself, but not for problems related to the environment it runs on. Particular note and understanding is required when dealing with multiple applications trying to access a single piece of hardware, such as serial ports, USB and the like.
Please see the following TPA-MALI-09-0013.00 for additional information.
Also note that Vista Licensing system is NOT supported when using Remote Desktop. Refer to the following article for further details: Windows Remote Desktop (RDP) is not supported by the TAC Vista Licensing system.
