Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google


VMware Releases Workstation and Fusion Updates

VMware this week introduced the newest versions of its virtual platforms VMware Workstation 15 and VMware Fusion 11, which include enhanced UIs, expanded OS and hardware support, a refined remote VMware vSphere view and new REST APIs.

According to the company, the new REST API for Workstation Pro will "enable developers to remotely and programmatically manage virtual machines (VM) running" on the platform, as well as "integrate with other automation tools in a continuous development and testing pipeline." Custom in-house desktop request workflows can also be built by developers and QA teams, which will allow for automated Workstation VM deployment, the company claims.

Support for Ubuntu 18.04.1, Windows October 2018 Updates and others is now available in both Workstation 15 Pro and Workstation 15 Player, plus an enhanced UI experience on 4K and HiDPI displays. In addition, the company reported there are now more than 500 new feature icons and updated product icons, and both solutions support a new DirectX 10.1 virtual graphics engine with Anti-Aliasing and Shader support.

With Workstation 15 Pro's improved remote vSphere view, IT admins will be able to access a more accurate description of the host topology, and when connected to a remote vSphere environment, all clusters and datacenters — in addition to an inventory of all VMs — can be seen, according to the company.

Fusion 11 Pro's REST API, which already allows developers to integrate with Docker, Vagrant, Kubernetes and other development tools, has been improved so "developers can leverage new networking-oriented controls to programmatically assign and change virtual networks, organize MAC to IP Address binding and specify NAT port forwarding rules on the fly," according to VMware.

Among other new features in the Fusion 11 solutions are:

  • A new Application Menu, which can run with or without Fusion 11, and gives users the ability to access VM inventory; change view modes, settings and snapshots; or launch Windows applications with a single click.
  • Expanded hardware and OS support, including support for the new 18-core iMac Pro and macOS 10.14 Mojave.
  • Several UI improvements including a customizable touch bar for MacBook users, updated icons and DirectX 10.1 graphics support.

Like Workstation 15 Pro, Fusion 11 Pro also includes the improved remote vSphere view, providing a more complete description of the host topology.

"The latest enhancements to Workstation 15 and Fusion 11, including delivering REST APIs to automate tasks, provide IT pros, developers and businesses alike with a seamless way to deliver, better protect and manage Windows, Linux and Mac desktops and applications on premises or in the cloud," said Krish Prasad, senior vice president and general manager of VMware's Cloud Platform Business Unit, in a prepared statement.

Details and downloads can be found on VMware's site: Workstation 15 Pro and Fusion 11 Pro.

About the Author

Wendy Hernandez is group managing editor for the 1105 Enterprise Computing Group.

Featured

  • Digital cyberspace with particles and Digital data

    Report: AI Is Moving Faster than Data Trust

    AI agents are already in use or pilot at most organizations, but data visibility, governance and precision recovery capabilities have not kept pace, according to Veeam's new Data & AI Trust Gap report.

  • Glowing route lines merging into single gold pathway

    Microsoft Merges Copilot Apps Into a Single User Experience

    Microsoft recently announced it is consolidating its consumer Copilot app and Microsoft 365 Copilot app into a single destination, addressing a fragmented product strategy that has required users to navigate separate applications for AI chat and productivity tools.

  • CIS Sandbox Tutor Eli Blouin at Bentley University imagines a future technology learning partner that supports curiosity, critical thinking, feedback, and personalized learning.

    Student Voices: Technology as a Future Learning Partner

    A data analytics and marketing major at Bentley University and a distinguished lecturer at the university explore the future of "technology learning partners" — technologies that participate in the learning process by asking questions and giving feedback, not just information search results.

  • Silhouettes of business professionals stand against a blurred futuristic city skyline at night, with a glowing digital network data connection

    It's Time for Higher Ed to Get Serious About AI Strategy

    Without a coordinated strategy that involves multiple academic and administrative units across the entire campus, colleges risk wasting resources, duplicating efforts, and ultimately failing to deliver on the promise of deploying technology to improve learning and operations.