This IDC study presents our perspective on how virtualization is affecting the future of operating system software, and the likely offshoots that virtualization will enable.

"The rapid growth of virtualization software will cause significant change to the operating system software market, including creating the conditions that will enable the growth of software appliances and empowering the concept of use-and-discard operating systems," says Al Gillen, research VP, System Software, at IDC. "It's not just about server consolidation; virtualization software will create entirely new market opportunities."