Quoting from the Microsoft official announcement:
Microsoft Corp. today announced it has completed the acquisition of Softricity Inc., a leading provider of application virtualization and dynamic streaming technologies.
…
With the closing of this acquisition, Softricity becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft, and integration of Softricity’s technologies into the Microsoft software delivery and engineering processes begins. Microsoft will soon make available the SoftGrid® application virtualization platform at a reduced price in the streamlined form of two core offerings: SoftGrid for Desktops and SoftGrid for Terminal Services. Both products will include the Softricity ZeroTouch™ Web-based access and self-service portal functionality.In addition, Microsoft’s Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 customers will be able to acquire Softricity’s SMS connector as a free download. Support for existing Softricity customers will continue uninterrupted via existing sales and services teams and partners. Microsoft will provide additional details on the delivery of Softricity offerings that support Windows Vista and Windows Server “Longhorn” at a later date.
It seems Microsoft is going to apply a price to application virtualization and streaming like it did with server virtualization after Connectix acqusition. Now customers have to expect a new VMware (maybe Altiris) to impose on the market and drive the software giant to offer the technology for free.
I personally believe application streaming could fit the new Microsoft Live strategy, permitting customers to choose how to work with Live applications: less features with browser delivery, full package with application streaming delivery.
Is the new application name going to be something like LiveGrid?