VMWare delivers open source client

Both the code and support are already available on GoogleCode.

The idea behind VMWare View is that personalized desktops are actually hosted in corporate data centers, enabling close control while maintaining individuality.

In its release about the code VMWare talks about releasing it to partners, but quotes the head of its Desktop Business Unit saying that vendors can easily optimize devices to create the best virtual desktop solutions."

The pitch behind the code is Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for desktop clients, allowing high-priced capabilities to reside on low-end hardware. The release quotes Gartner research claiming thin clients will be 40% of all desktop terminals by 2013, with 50 million licenses purchased.

If this succeeds it could really be a game-changer. Imagine what the PC world would be like if enterprises are able to slow purchases regardless of head count. Imagine what Microsoft revenues might look like in that world.