Microsoft Acquires Calista Technologies, Expands Alliance with Citrix

As reported today, Microsoft has completed the acquisition of Calista Technologies, a leading provider of graphic technologies for next-generation desktop and presentation virtualization solutions. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Calista provides technology that improves end-user experience of 3-D and multimedia delivery for Microsoft multimedia applications, virtualized desktop deployments, and server-hosted virtualized desktops or applications using Windows Terminal Services. The addition of Calista technology to future Microsoft presentation and desktop virtualization products will enable remote workers to receive a full-fidelity Windows desktop experience without the need for high-end desktop hardware, while enabling software vendors to deliver additional capabilities. Calista Technologies is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Microsoft. Financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

Microsoft also has expanded its alliance with Citrix Systems to deliver a comprehensive set of virtualization solutions to address the desktop and server virtualization needs of customers. The two companies will work together to deliver and market joint virtualization solutions with Windows Server 2008 to help customers achieve a flexible and dynamic client computing infrastructure.

Microsoft issued a media alert today as advance notice to a live webcast tomorrow in which Microsoft will outline its companywide strategy to accelerate broad adoption of virtualization by customers and the industry.