VMware Workstation 9 – Now Available World-Wide!

The Workstation team is thrilled to introduce VMware Workstation 9.  It’s been 12 years since Workstation first launched and dramatically changed the way technical professionals worked with virtual machines.   Since then the team has worked to bring bring innovation with each new release.  We feel Workstation 9 continues this tradition.

Workstation 9 builds on its broad operating system support, rich user experience, and comprehensive feature set to bring you best-in-class Windows 8 support, all new Web interface, restricted virtual machines and much more.  Not only does Workstation 9 change the way you work with virtual machines whether they reside on your PC or in the datacenter, it allows you to work when and where you want.

Let’s take a look at what Workstation 9 can do:

Best in Class Windows 8 Support  

 

To help you and your organization evaluate Windows 8, master the Metro UI and test your applications, VMware Workstation 9 is optimized for running Windows 8 virtual machines and running on Windows 8 PCs. Easy Install simplifies the task of creating Windows 8 virtual machines, Unity mode will intelligently scale to handle applications formerly known as Metro and multi-touch support will ensure you get the true Windows 8 experience in a virtual machine.

Access from Almost any Device  

 

Workstation’s new web interface allows you to access your virtual machines running in Workstation or vSphere from a tablet, smart phone, PC or any device with a modern browser.  No plugins necessary. Now you can power on, off, or suspend your virtual machines and interact with them from almost anywhere.

Restricted Virtual Machines    

 

Create virtual machines that require a runtime password, and another password to change virtual machine settings. Once set, send the virtual machine with restrictions to anyone to run on their Mac, Windows, or Linux machines by using Workstation 9, VMware Fusion 5, VMware Fusion 5 Professional, or VMware Player 5.

Download from vSphere  

 

In Workstation 8 we introduced the ability to upload a virtual machine from your PC to vSphere. Workstation 9 takes the next step and allows you to drag and drop a virtual machine from vSphere to your PC. It’s the easiest way to move virtual machines between your PC and your internal cloud.

Better 3D Graphics  

 

Workstation 9 includes support for the new Windows Metro interface, significant performance and rendering improvements to better support professional graphical applications such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks, Anti-Aliasing, OpenGL 2.1 for Linux operating systems and even an improved graphics driver for Windows XP.

Read the VMware Workstation 9 release notes for a complete list of new features.

What if I just bought VMware Workstation 8?

If you purchased VMware Workstation 8 (Full license or upgrade) between 08/01/2012 and 09/30/2012 you are eligible for a complimentary electronic upgrade under the VMware Workstation 9 Technology Guarantee Program (TGP).  To learn how to get your complimentary upgrade click here.

If you cannot wait to for your complimentary upgrade to VMware Workstation 8, we suggest you make the most of our free 30-day trial offer.

Availability and pricing

 

VMware Workstation 9 is immediately available for purchase from the VMware online store for $249 (US) and upgrades from VMware Workstation 7.x and 8.x are available for $119 (US). VMware Workstation can also be purchased through VMware’s network of resellers and distributors.

Buy Workstation 9

Upgrade to Workstation 9

Customers with an active support and subscription (“SnS”) contract are eligible to upgrade to Workstation 9 for free in the My VMware portal.  If you are not familiar with My VMware, check out this KB Article with video.

We hope you enjoy using VMware Workstation 9 as much as we enjoyed creating it.

The VMware Workstation Team