Virtualization technology is revolutionizing IT. It has taken root in large, medium and small enterprises throughout the world, and we are only just beginning to fully grasp the transformational potential of this technology. VMware is the clear leader, and is continuing to innovate and find ways to stay in front of the pack, while other server virtualization platforms such as Citrix XenServer and Microsoft Hyper-V are emerging as viable alternatives.

As we look into the future, virtualization technologies are set to push the envelope even further. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure is on the immediate agenda of many companies, and we believe that in the not distant future we will see server virtualization become the bedrock of a truly dynamic cloud computing model of IT services delivery. This "cloudy" vision of the future is getting serious investment from all of the major IT product and solutions companies, so it's coming, and fast.

But just like other revolutionary IT technologies that have come before it - open systems, Windows, and the Internet to name a few - VMware's rapid march into the data center has been accompanied by some "broken glass". Many of the companies that have gotten the most benefit from VMware have also found that wholesale changes were required in tools, processes, and talent to make this technology work in an enterprise-class fashion.