Virtualisation software supplier VMWare has released a
secure desktop environment called VMWare Ace, which allows the
end-user to configure their host or guest PC automatically, on or
off a network, potentially reducing IT costs.
A PC image is stored on a DVD, and the end-user runs a simple
application that replicates the predetermined desktop environment
on their PC.
The disc locks down the PC, and ensures that the machine has the
appropriate levels of patching and security.
The company said Ace creates an "assured computing environment" -
an isolated standard PC configuration that can run on any PC in the
extended enterprise. It delivers improved security, manageability
and cost-effectiveness, according VMWare.
A spokesman for the company said, "Ace can also use digital rights
management to time-out after six months, if a contractor has a
six-month contract."
The system differs from network computing in that desktops or
notebooks can be configured even if they are not connected to a
network. The desktop runs in a sandbox environment, and is
tamper-proof, said the spokesman.