Virtualization Daily

From eChannelLine, “Virtual machines slated to go mainstream”

Virtual appliances are ideal for SMBs that lack sufficient IT expertise in the configuration and installation process, stated Eunice. “Configuration can be extraordinarily daunting.”

That’s exactly where virtual appliances will have the most impact. They dramatically simplify the deployment of server based software and the SMB market doesn’t have the need for integration with existing infrastructure that exists in larger companies. The problem of course, is that the SMB market also doesn’t have the large install base and familiarity with virtualization technology. That could be a barrier to adoption for virtual appliances in the SMB market. There is currently one exception to that though, the Mac. On Intel based Macintoshes the need and capability to run Windows applications is also driving the deployment of virtualization software. Right now that means Parallels, and once people have virtualization software in place, it can be nicely repurposed for the running of virtual appliances to handle other applications. I suspect you’re going to see more and more virtual appliances targeted at Parallels, I’m doing my part to help.