Microsoft is continuing to tiptoe towards the concept of virtual appliances. They still have licensing challenges and it’s unclear if anyone other than Microsoft can build these, but it’s a first step. In typical Microsoft fashion they had to come up with a different name so they’re calling these things Virtual Hard Drives (VHD). Right now these are targeted towards testing and development and are time limited. They’re also targeted towards Windows Virtual Server and Virtual PC, but it should be possible to convert them to work with VMWare as well.
Here’s what’s currently available.
There’s also an article on InfoWorld that implies that other companies may be allowed to distribute their applications in a similar manner.
“This program enables Microsoft and its partners to distribute their enterprise software and applications within a virtual machine so that IT professionals can confidently and quickly evaluate Windows Server-based software,” said Mike Neil, senior director of virtualization strategy in Microsoft’s Windows Server Division. He continued, “A similar program for Windows Vista will be available in the first quarter of 2007.”
It will be interesting to see how that shapes up.
Virtualization and Virtual Appliance news, tips and opinions. 
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