Microsoft started embracing virtual appliance concept in November 2006 launching its VHD Test Drive Program, after VMware introduced the concept in February 2006 with an unprecedented marketing campaign.
VHD Test Drive Program has been limited so far to Microsoft products because of Windows re-distribution license, but something just changed and Quest Software is one of the first partners offering a Windows-based virtual appliance on the market.
Quest Software is not new to virtualization, controlling the popular US vendor vizioncore, and it’s now embracing the virtual appliance concept to simplify trial of its management solutions for Microsoft SharePoint 2003 and 2007.
Quest is not the first company supporting Microsoft in this new initiative. Among others Altiris, BEA Systems, Check Point, Citrix, CommVault, Dell, FullArmor, HP, Network Appliance, Platespin, Portlock, SourceCode Technology Holdings, Symantec, SplendidCRM Software, UGS and VLabSource are expected to release their solutions in virtual appliance form.