Sun Microsystems today released xVM VirtualBox 2.0, the latest version of the open source virtualisation software.

xVM VirtualBox runs on most popular operating systems including Linux, Mac OSX, Solaris, OpenSolaris and Windows.

Some of the notable improvements in this release include support for 64-bit versions of operating systems like Windows Vista and RedHat Enterprise Linux, in addition to all other major host operating systems.

VirtualBox 2.0 also includes a new user interface for the Mac platform, improved networking for the Mac OS X and Solaris OS, as well as improved performance, especially on AMD chips.

Although xVM VirtualBox is open source software and can be downloaded and used for free, Sun today also announced and enterprise support programme for businesses that require paid-for support.

xVM VirtualBox software lets users create “virtual machines” into which they can install their operating system of choice, so developers can easily build, test and run cross-platform, multi-tier applications on a single laptop or desktop computer.

xVM VirtualBox is a relatively small download at just 20MB. A fuller list of changes in VirtualBox 2.0 can be found here.