UPDATED 11:35 EST / DECEMBER 19 2011

VMware Launches View for Mac, Linux, Kindle Fire

VMware launched VMware View Clients for three new platforms today, noticeably expanding the market for its desktop virtualization software. The clients, currently available as technology previews support Mac, Linux and Amazon’s Kindle Fire. The Linux version can already be downloaded via the Ubuntu Software Center and VMware said the Kindle Fire version will soon be available via the Amazon Appstore for Android as well, the company said.

In addition, VMware has updated its Android and iPad clients. All the new versions are compatible with View 4.6 and 5.

“More and more people want the freedom to choose the device that best fits their computing needs in school and into the workplace,” said Pat Lee, director, end user clients, VMware. “With the new VMware View(TM) Clients, both IT and end users win with a complete, secure and easily accessible virtual desktop on the devices that best meet their needs.”

VMware is fleshing out its strategy in the user virtualization space. Last month it introduced version 4.1 of the VMware Fusion virtualization software – which at the time contained a loophole that allowed users to virtualize Mac desktops. Several of its executives also provided a glimpse into how the company is going to consolidate its vision looking forward: desktop virtualization is going to be a big part of its overall social enterprise strategy. According to officials, it will combine several different elements, such as mobile, and Cloud Foundry.

VDI is big in the enterprise, and VMware is competing in a market crowded with a lot of vendors, including lead competitor Citrix as well as others. Among  those vendors is Teradici, a company that also had a major product update this month: the company rolled out PCoIP Firmware Release 3.5.0 and PCoIP Management Console 1.7.


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