Virtualisation software debates block on Apple OS

Virtualisation software debates block on Apple OS

Fans of Apple computers may have been pleased to learn that a major virtualisation provider recently lifted its block on the virtualisation of the Client version of Snow Leopard OS.

The operating system had previously been restricted from virtualisation through VMware Fusion, with an error message popping up whenever an attempt was made to install it. However, last week the virtualisation service put responsibility for following Apple's EULA at the feet of its customers and halted its own restrictions.

This had meant that it was possible to run Snow Leopard OS within Lion, which in turn opened up the possibility to run applications that require the Rosetta PowerPC-to-Intel translator, which was removed from other versions of the OS.

However, the excitement was soon squashed by a further update that came as no surprise to those aware of Apple's close protection of its products. Apple has always been quick to take legal action against anyone flaunting its rules and its EULA has always prohibited the virtualisation and installation of its operating systems on non-Apple hardware.

On 22 November VMware announced: “When the license verification step was added in VMware Fusion 4.1 the server edition check was omitted.” Meanwhile on the 23 November, the service provider stated that it had released version 4.1.1 of Fusion, which has reinstated OS X version checking routines and will not boost virtual machines running Leopard or SnowLeopard client versions of OS X.

However, there are instructions available on the site for how to update virtual machines to OS X Lion so that they will boot and continue to work.

Virtualisation is not suited to all types of software but businesses will find many benefits in the solution if they research their options carefully. In addition to choosing which operating systems to virtualise, it is worth checking the company's network and considering installing a leased line if the current hardware is not up to scratch. Taking steps like this will ensure smoother operation of the virtualised systems in the future.