Security-conscious IT managers stand to gain a promising new option today, as a novel tool from software virtualisation pioneer VMware enters beta testing.

VMware ACE (Assured Computing Environment) is designed to provide a virtual machine (VM) desktop that can link to corporate networks and applications with precisely-tailored permissions.

It could offer an attractive means to govern access rights for mobile staff, teleworkers and contractors.

Administrators can configure VMs to stop users installing their own software, or copying corporate data onto hard disks or removable media. Expiration options allow the VM's functions to be disabled after a particular date. ACE VMs can be distributed with all the runtime software needed to host the VM, so that the recipient need only load a DVD into their system, from which the VM automatically
runs.
Now this is a great idea, many us use vmware already as honey pots. This seams like a novel idea to ensure all of the user garbage doesn't get passed ont the network like it normally does!more>>

It will give those head-in-the-sand IT managers another reason to not patch their systems. "But it's in a VM, so why patch it?", they'll say.

Very true BN, also I am a bit concerned about the price. Will th cost be the same as a copy of VMware and a windows 2000 liscense. If so that might make the whole product a bit cost prohibitive.