Apple :: Microsoft Recognizes VM Operations For Windows And Applications

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I'm not sure if this really needs a separate thread or could go in the VM sticky, but I thought it's pretty important.

It's just been revealed that Windows 7 will have a Virtual Windows XP mode that will basically be running Windows XP in a VM and include integration features like Coherence in VMWare Fusion and Unity in Parallels Desktop. They are doing this to address the remaining software backwards compatibility issues in Windows 7. Of course, Microsoft being Microsoft with their product segmentation, is currently limiting access to Windows XP mode for Professional Edition users and higher, although it is commendable that they are offering it for free.

Why is this significant for Macs? I think this is very useful because future Window operating systems and applications will be written with the expectation that they will be running in VMs in future OS for compatibility. It wouldn't surprise me if Windows 7 (kernel 6.1) and Office 2010 are already being designed in a way so that they can run well in a VM for a future kernel 7.0 based Windows OS. These optimizations would of course benefit Mac users who still have to use Windows application or perhaps even play games. I'm sure it'll also be a compelling transition point to encourage switchers, especially if they are already familiar with virtualization from Windows 7.