VMware, Inc., a leading innovator in enterprise software, today unveiled the newest versions of its VMware Fusion and VMware Workstation desktop
hypervisor solutions. VMware's updates support the changing needs of
modern developers by extending the tools traditionally used to simplify
workflows and expand capabilities of virtual machines (VMs) to
container-based applications orchestrated with Kubernetes. The latest
release of Fusion also introduces a new edition-Fusion Player-available
with a free Personal Use license as well as offering a paid license for
commercial use.
"Developers
can now slipstream Kubernetes applications from test/dev into
production," said Lee Caswell, vice president, marketing, Cloud Platform
Business Unit, VMware. "We've built a consistent CI/CD operational
model that-with our free Player version-is available for all
developers."
Expanding Support for Developers
VMware
has long served developers as well as end users and IT professionals
with some of the best-in-class features with its award-winning desktop
hypervisor products-VMware Fusion and Workstation. Today's updates
expand support for modern application developers with enhancements to
VMware's container engine CLI-vctl-while also making it available on
Workstation for Windows. With Fusion or Workstation, developers will be
able to support more custom Kubernetes clusters with support for ‘kind'
- a tool for running local Kubernetes clusters using containers as
"nodes." Containers built with vctl can be tested on local Kubernetes
clusters to validate pipeline workflows before pushing them upstream to a
central registry such as Harbor. In turn, the containers can be implemented on larger VMware Cloud Foundation 4 with Tanzu production clusters in a service delivery pipeline.
Additionally, administrators will be able to connect with VMware vSphere 7 through
ESXi and vCenter for remote VM operation and maintenance tasks.
Supporting the latest physical and virtual hardware features, Fusion and
Workstation provide out-of-the-box workload mobility / compatibility
between desktops and data centers.
In
preparation for the next major version of macOS 11.0 Big Sur, VMware
has made full use of Apple's hypervisor and other APIs, removing the
need for kernel extensions and supporting macOS 11 as both host and
guest.
Additional New VMware Fusion and Workstation Features
- DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.1 - Running games and apps support with Direct3D version 11 or OpenGL 4.1
- Windows 10 Hyper-V Mode -
VMware Workstation products support running VMs, containers and
Kubernetes clusters on PCs with Windows 10 version 2004 that have
Hyper-V mode enabled.
- Dark Mode -
For Workstation Pro and Player UIs, a new Dark Mode feature will
seamlessly align with the latest versions of Windows 10, including the
recently released 2004 build.
- eGPU Compatibility -
Fusion Player and Pro will support eGPU devices, helping offload the
resource-taxing graphics rendering process from the internal integrated
or discrete GPU, to a much more powerful external one.
- Improved Accessibility - Accessibility controls in compliance with VPAT Section 508, helping users get the full benefits of virtual machines.
Pricing and Availability
VMware
is introducing Fusion 12 Player which will follow the same pricing and
licensing model as Workstation Player-meaning it is available free for
Personal Use-and requires a license for Commercial Use. VMware Fusion 12
Player and Workstation 16 Player New Licenses will be available for
$149, and Upgrade Licenses will be available for $79.
VMware
Fusion 12 Pro and VMware Workstation 16 Pro are expected to become
available in VMware's Q3 FY21 (ending Oct. 30, 2020). Upgrades for each
will be available for $99 and new licensing is available for $199.