VMware virtualiztion and software development

Abstract

Virtualization technology has recently matured to the point where it can be used dependably on a daily basis by anyone. Computer virtualization is the idea of running virtual computer(s) inside of a physical host computer. The basic idea behind the technology is not difficult to understand, but understanding how the technology is implemented is more complicated. In this paper, the basic ideas behind general virtualization are conveyed through VMware's technology. VMware is a company that is on the cutting edge of this technology and they offer many different virtualization solutions for free and for purchase. Through benchmark testing, it can be shown that current virtualization technology is on par with physical PC technology. This means that the performance decline incurred by using a VM (virtual machine) is very minimal, and it is getting smaller by the day.