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VMware Announces VMware Workstation™ 9

VMware Announces VMware Workstation™ 9

Best-in-class Windows 8 support, innovative Web interface and restricted virtual machines now available

PALO ALTO, Calif., Aug. 23, 2012 —VMware, Inc. (NYSE: VMW), the global leader in virtualization and cloud infrastructure, today announced VMware Workstation™ 9, the latest version of its award-winning personal virtualization software. VMware Workstation 9 delivers best-in-class Windows 8 support and innovative new features that transform the way technical professionals work with virtual machines whether they reside on the PC or on enterprise private clouds.  

“For over a decade we have consistently delivered innovative new technologies with each Workstation release and Workstation 9 continues this tradition,” said Vittorio Viarengo, vice president, End-User Computing, VMware. “Workstation 9 brings the power of VMware virtualization to any IT professional desk and enables them to leverage the latest evolution of operating systems, processors and other technologies to be more productive and effective.”

Key new features in VMware Workstation 9 include:

  • Windows 8 Support– Easy install simplifies the task of creating virtual machines for Windows 8 that can run simultaneously with a variety of legacy operating systems. Unity mode intelligently works with Windows 8 applications, and multi-touch support ensures a true Windows 8 experience. 
  • More Powerful Virtual Machines – Faster startup performance, USB 3.0 support for Windows 8 virtual machines, Intel™ Ivy Bridge compatibility, more powerful virtualization extensions, virtual performance counters, support for OpenGL 2.1 on Linux and improved 3D graphics performance make running highly demanding applications simple and efficient.
  • Increased Mobility – A new Web interface allows access to virtual machines running in Workstation or on VMware vSphere® from tablets, smart phones, laptops or desktop PCs.  This high performance, Web-based interface delivers a native desktop experience and does not require flash or browser-based plug-ins.
  • Restricted Virtual Machines – IT administrators and instructors can create virtual machines and configure them to prevent employees or students from dragging and dropping files between virtual and physical desktops, attaching devices, or tampering with the virtual machine settings.  Once restrictions are configured, the virtual machines can be encrypted and distributed to run on Mac, Windows, or Linux PCs with VMware Fusion® 5 Professional, Workstation 9, or VMware Player™ 5.
Pricing and Availability

VMware Workstation 9 is currently available for purchase for $249. Upgrades from VMware Workstation 7.x and 8.x are available for $119. VMware customers who have purchased VMware Workstation 8 between Aug. 1, 2012 and Sept. 30, 2012 are eligible for a complimentary electronic upgrade to VMware Workstation 9. For more details on VMware’s complimentary electronic upgrade program please go here.
Workstation can also be purchased through VMware’s network of resellers and distributors. Download a free trial here.

Additional Resources

  • Learn more about VMware Workstation 9 on the Workstation Zealot Blog
  • Read more about the new features in VMware Workstation 9
  • View and download screen shots of VMware Workstation 9
  • Follow the VMware Workstation team on Twitter and Facebook
About VMware

VMware is the leader in virtualization and cloud infrastructure solutions that enable businesses to thrive in the Cloud Era. Customers rely on VMware to help them transform the way they build, deliver and consume Information Technology resources in a manner that is evolutionary and based on their specific needs. With 2011 revenues of $3.77 billion, VMware has more than 300,000 customers and 25,000 partners. The company is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the world and can be found online at www.vmware.com.


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VMware, VMware Workstation, VMware Fusion, VMware Player and vSphere are registered trademarks and/or trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.