VMware launches Workstation 6.0, Player 2.0 and ACE 2.0 release candidates

VMware just updated three beta programs together, allowing testers access to Workstation 6.0, Player 2.0 and ACE 2.0 release candidates.

All betas share the same build number (42757) and this is quite understandable considering Player is a subset of Workstation and ACE is a superset of it since version 2.0.

While new builds of Workstation 6.0 and ACE 2.0 seem to introduce just integration with each other, Player 2.0 RC shows some surprises introducing experimental support for 2-way Virtual SMP, USB 2.0 support and Shared Folders.

All products are expected to be released in Q2 2007. Meanwhile enroll for the Workstation 6.0 beta program, the Player 2.0 beta program, or the ACE 2.0 beta program.

VMware continues to call current ACE 2.0 beta as Enterprise Edition, probably meaning a limited amount of ACE capabilities will be available at no additional cost in Workstation 6.0.

As not enough VMware is offering ACE 2.0 Enterprise Edition for free to VMware Infrastructure 3 customers until April 16.