VirtualLogix announced expanded support for the Windows operating system, delivering a commercial solution that enables Microsoft Windows Vista to operate side-by-side with real-time operating systems (RTOS) for performance critical systems. With VirtualLogix VLX, developers can leverage virtualization technology to gain the enhanced features of Windows Vista and align with Microsoft’s roadmap.

Unlike traditional Windows-based industrial control or embedded system designs that require independent hardware sub-systems in order to provide real-time performance, designs using VirtualLogix VLX result in streamlined architectures, and reduced development and bill-of-materials costs. VLX real-time virtualization technology runs Windows Vista securely in an isolated “virtual machine” next to other rich RTOS and their applications. This capability gives designers the opportunity to safely consolidate both user-interface and performance-critical sub-systems leveraging the advanced features of Windows Vista and without compromising the deterministic requirements of the system.

“VirtualLogix VLX now offers support of Windows Vista, offering high-performance, simple designs and an immediate return on investment to a wide set of real-time systems, in applications such as automotive, industrial and medical equipment,” said Peter Richards, CEO, VirtualLogix. “Key customers have asked that we provide Vista on our VLX roadmap and we have delivered. This enables VLX to support a wider spectrum of systems using Microsoft's operating systems as a core solution component.”

Windows Vista is now supported on Intel processors for VLX Embedded and VLX for Network Infrastructure —all of which maintain the time-sensitive control and signal processing functions that communications devices demand.