Further to yesterday’s discovery that VMware had rolled out a new update to its Fusion software, which allowed older copies of Apple’s Leopard and Snow Leopard operating systems to be installed on virtual machines, VMware has today issued a statement via its website blog apologizing. They clarified that the feature was not intended and was a mistake on their part.
Details of the VMware Fusion Update
VMware explains on their blog:
“VMware Fusion 4.1 was released late last week and includes many great improvements. One change was the introduction of a new license verification step for users to verify they are in compliance with the OS licensing terms.
When the license verification step was added in VMware Fusion 4.1 the server edition check was omitted. We are preparing an update.
Running Mac OS X client in a virtual machine continues to require Lion (purchased from the Mac App Store or a USB thumb drive.) Users should always ensure they remain in compliance with any applicable software license agreements.”
Implications and User Compliance
The inadvertent inclusion of the ability to install Leopard and Snow Leopard on virtual machines has significant implications. Apple’s licensing terms are quite strict about which versions of macOS can be virtualized. Specifically, only the server editions of Leopard and Snow Leopard are permitted to run in virtual environments, and even then, only on Apple hardware. This restriction is in place to ensure that users do not bypass purchasing newer versions of macOS, thereby maintaining Apple’s revenue stream and ensuring users have the latest security and feature updates.
VMware’s quick response to this issue highlights their commitment to compliance and user trust. By preparing an update to rectify the mistake, VMware is taking steps to ensure that users remain within the bounds of their software agreements. This is crucial not only for legal reasons but also for maintaining the integrity and reliability of their software.
Moreover, this incident serves as a reminder to users about the importance of adhering to software license agreements. While it might be tempting to use older, familiar operating systems, doing so without proper licensing can lead to legal repercussions and potential security vulnerabilities. Users are encouraged to always verify their compliance with software licenses to avoid such issues.
Source: Ars Technica : VMware
In conclusion, while the accidental feature in VMware Fusion 4.1 might have seemed like a boon for some users, it underscores the importance of software compliance and the vigilance required by companies to adhere to licensing agreements. VMware’s proactive approach in addressing the issue and preparing an update demonstrates their dedication to maintaining legal and ethical standards in software distribution.
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