VMware has put the finishing touches on the fifth generation of its desktop virtualization software. VMware Workstation 5 includes new features that bring improved collaboration and networking, better performance and surer security, along with enhanced cloning capabilities and Microsoft Virtual PC compatibility.

VMware's Workstation software provides application developers with a library of virtual machines for x86 operating systems including Windows, Linux, Novell NetWare and Sun's Solaris. In concept, developers can spend more time developing and less time configuring by virtualizing and rapidly provisioning required environments.

The first private beta of VMWare Workstation 5.0 was released last November, and a public beta followed in late December.

Version 5 is packed with new collaborative options and has expanded 32-bit and 64-bit processor support in addition to various performance and usability enhancements.

Users now can work together in teams by connecting multiple virtual machines together into managed network segments, and make templates of virtual machines for others to clone identical base installations.

64-bit host operating system and processor support has been added along with a new set of supported 32-bit operating systems. The memory sharing capabilities of VMware ESX Server have also been included in version 5.

Speeding up virtual machines was also a focus of the new release. VMware has tweaked overall performance to better handle networking, memory consumption and OS specific functions. A new gtk2-based interface improves Linux usability and a command line interface is provided to automate common tasks.

Rebates are available for customers who purchased VMware Workstation 4.5 after June 30, 2004, while customers who purchased after December 15, 2004 are eligible for a free downloadable upgrade. VMware Workstation 5 retails for $189 USD at the VMware online store and a shrink wrapped edition costs $199 USD.

More information on version 5 is available from VMware's Web site.