VMware, Citrix struggle with bare-metal desktops [Video]

Developing necessary drivers and persuading PC vendors to support their hypervisors are two challenges for the virtualization vendors

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Leading virtualization software vendors Citrix Systems and VMware are both running behind in plans to ship so-called bare-metal hypervisors for desktop PCs.

Developing all the necessary drivers needed by PC users has proven to be one major challenge. Another roadblock may be persuading PC vendors to ship and support these hypervisors with their hardware, according to research firm Gartner.

Citrix and VMware were expected to ship their respective products, XenClient and Client Virtualization Platform, before the end of 2009. Now VMware hopes to have something out by the end of 2010. Citrix is waiting for the results of an ongoing closed beta test before committing to any dates, according to Dave Austin, Citrix’s director of product marketing in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

A bare-metal hypervisor, also known as a type …