Sun Wednesday updated its free desktop virtualization software, xVM VirtualBox, to rev 2.1.

The new cut is supposed to significantly improve graphics and network performance, configuration is supposed to be easier, and it supports the latest Intel processors.

VirtualBox lets users create virtual machines for their operating systems of choice and run cross-platform, multi-tier applications on a single laptop or desktop computer.

It's supposed to be the first major open source hypervisor to support the most popular host operating systems including Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Solaris and OpenSolaris.

It's largely been targeted at software developers, but Sun says now that it's going into "IT departments, where we've seen desktop virtualization software being used to solve issues of PC management, software distribution and desktop security."

It claims 2.5 million registrations for the open source widgetry, 25,000 downloads a day for a total of eight million downloads worldwide since October of last year and says downloads are up 120% over last quarter and registration rates are up 24%.

It's only a 30MB and reportedly installs in less than five minutes.

Enterprise subscriptions start at $30 per user per year, with 24/7 premium support and volume discounts.

With the 2.1 rev VirtualBox now supports the industry standard OpenGL graphics API so users can run applications like Google Earth and CAM-based software; rich media apps are reportedly faster; and with new bridged networking configurations on Windows and Linux platforms, it's reportedly easier to deploy server applications and web stacks like LAMP or SAMP in VMs.

It also comes with built-in iSCSI support to connect to storage systems, such as Sun's new Open Storage appliances, the 7000 family, a.k.a. Amber Road, a feature that means easier management and sharing of virtual disk images.

Sun has also tweaked VirtualBox' support for Mac on Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x) as well as VMware and Microsoft virtualization formats and it can now run 64-bit guest operating systems on 32-bit host platforms without upgrading the host OS.

Cloud Computing Technology Contributors of 2009
10Gen, 3Leaf Systems, 6fusion International, Absolute Performance, Ajaxo, Alentus, Appirio, Appistry, Aptaria, Arena Maxtronic, Arista Networks, Asankya Networks, BitRock, BlueLock, Boomi , Box.net, Canaan Partners, Casdex, Chris Richardson Consulting, CITTIO, Cloud Architects, Cloud9 Analytics, CloudRamp, CloudScale Networks, Cloudscape.ws, CloudWorks, CNI Systems, CohesiveFT, CollabNet, Concentric, Cordys, Cronus Partners, CSRware, CuperTek, Cycle Computing, Dataline, Dell, DNAmail, eBay, Elastra, Engine Yard, Enki Consulting, Enomaly, Excelian, Flexiscale, Forrester, Fortress ITX, G.ho.st, Gear6, GigaSpaces, GraphLogic, GridGain, IBRIX, InfoQ, IntelePeer, IronKey, Iterative Designs, ITO America, Jamcracker, Joyent, JumpBox, Just Skill, Kaavo, Linxter, Mohr Davidow Ventures, MessageLabs, Mimecast, Model Metrics, Moderro Technologies, Moka5 (MokaFive), Mosso, Netmagic, NewServers, Ocarina Networks, Panorama Software, Parabon Computation, Parallels, ParaScale, Patni Computer Systems, Peer1 Networks, Platform Computing, PLX Technology, ProjectLocker, Promise Technology, Qlayer, QlikTech, Rackspace, RampRate, Red Hat, Reliance Globalcom, RightScale, Robson Taylor, Rogue Wave, rPath, Salesforce.com, Sapotek, Saugatuck Technology, ScanSafe, ServePath, ServiceCloud, SIMtone, SkillSoft, Skytap, SmugMug, SOASTA, Solace Systems, Spiceworks, SpiderOak, Symphony Services, Tap In Systems, Teneros, Terremark, Transitive, Trend Micro, Union Square Advisors, Unisys, Univa UD, uTest, Vertica, Weber Shandwick, Widen Enterprises, XCalibre, Zabovo.com, Zeus Technology, and Zuora.

Virtualization Technology Contributors of 2009
123Together.com, 361 Degrees, 3PAR, 8e6 Technologies, A10 Networks, Aastra, Accario, Accellion, AccessFlow, AceNet, ACMA, Acronis, Actional, activePDF, Acxiom, Adaptec, ADC, Adder, Adexis, Adtran, Agilysys, Agito Networks, AirMagnet, Akorri, ALADDIN Knowledge Systems, Alcatel-Lucent, Alert Logic, AlterPoint, Altor Networks, AMAX, AMCC, Amyuni, Apani, APC, APCON, APM Experts, Appistry, Applied Innovations, Apptio, Aquantia, Arastra, Aravo, Arbor Solutions, ArcSight, Areohive Networks, Array Networks, Arrow ECS, ARTEC – Computer, Aruba Networks, Asigra, Asoka USA, Aspera, Astaro Internet Security, Atempo, ATEN Technology, Attune Systems, AutoVirt, Avanade, Avaquest, Avaya, Aventiv-NomaDesk, Avocent, AVTECH, AXIOMTEK, BakBone, BBN Technologies, BDNA, BEA Systems, Bedsole, Benchmark Capital, Berkeley Varitronics, BigFix, Bivio Networks, Blade Network, Blue Lane, BlueArc, BluePoint, BlueStripe, Bobcares, Bosanova, Brigh Technologies, Brocade, CA, CalAmp, Capitial Trust Ventures, Cassatt, Catbird, Cayenne, CDG, Ceedo, Certeon, Champion Solutions, Check Point Software, Chip PC, CiRBA, Citihub, Citrix Systems, ClearCube, CommVault, Compass America, Compellent, Compugen, Computer Lab International, Concentsus, Configuresoft, Continuity Software, Coraid, Courion, Coyote Point Systems, cPanel, Credit Suisse, Crosswalk, CrystalTech Web Hosting, CSC, Data Domain, Databarracks, DataCore, DataDirect, Datagardens, DataPipe, DataSynapse, DC3 Solutions, Dell, EqualLogic, Desktone, Devon IT, Digipede, Doctrino Systems, DocuSign, DoubleTake Software, Dynamic Network Factory, DynamicOps, Ecora Software, eG Innovations, Egenera, Electric Cloud, Electrorack, Embotics, Emulex, Endeavors Technology, Enigmatic, Enomaly, Entuity, EqualLogic, Ericom, EVault, Evolving Solutions, Exinda, eXludus, Extentrix Systems, F5Networks, FalconStor, Faronics, FastScale, FastSoft, FOCUS Consulting, Fortinet, Fortisphere, Fugitive LLC, Fujitsu Systems, Fusepoint, FusionStorm, Gateworks, Getronics, Gibraltar Solutions, GlassHouse Technologies, GlobalFluency, GlobalSCAPE, GlobalSign, Green Hills Software, Grid Dynamics, GRIDtoday, groupSPARK, Hiperware, Hitachi Data Systems, Hubspan, Hurricane Electric, Hyper9, HyPerformix, Hyperic, I2 Technology, IGEL Technology, Ignite Consulting, Illumita, IMEX Research, Incipient, Insight Venture Partners, InstallFree, INSYSTEK,Integrien, Ipswitch, Isilon Systems, iTrinegy, KACE, Kaseya, KI Lipton, Kidaro, Kingston Technology, KnownHost, Lanamark, LeftHand Networks, Lenovo, Leostream, Liquid Computing, Lucid8, LynuxWorks, Magirus, Mailtrust, Mainline, ManageIQ, ManageSoft, Marathon Technologies, Marketo, Markitects, McAfee, Meridian IT, Metron, Microsemi, Microserv, Mid-Atlantic Computers, MIMOS, Mimosa Systems, Mindbridge Software, Miva Merchant, MonoSphere, Morph Labs, Mxi Technologies. mySoftIT, Nagarro, Namescape, Ncomputing, NEC, Nemertes, NeoPath, Neoware, Net Magic, NetApp, Neterion, NetEx, NetIQ, Netuitive, Network Appliance, Neverfail, New Age Technologies, New Idea Engineering, NewTek, Nexenta, NextIO. Nimsoft, Niyuta, NoMachine, Nortel, Novell, Novo Innovations, Old Road Computing, Omnitron, On The Avenue, ONStor, Opalis Software, Open Kernel Labs, OpenHosting, OpenSpan, Optaros, Opus Capital, PacketTrap, Palm, Inc., Panda Security, Pano Logic, Pattern Insight, Peak IP Solutions, PHD Technologies, Phoenix Technologies, Phurnace Software, Pillar Data Systems, Pinnacle Cart, Pivot3, Platespin, Proofpoint, ProServeIT, ProSync, Provision Networks, , Q1 Labs, QG Software, Qualys, Quest Software, R1Soft, Racemi, RACKWISE, Radiant Logic, Raritan, Raxco Software, Red Hat, Reflex Security, Regan Technologies, Resolution Enterprises, RF Code, Riverbed, RSA Security, Ruckus Wireless, Sagent Solutions, SanDisk, SAVVIS, ScaleMP, Scalent Systems, ScienceLogic, ScriptLogic, Seanodes, Secure Command, Secure Computing, Sentillion, ServInt, Shavlik, Silpion, SIMtone, Singularity Technologies, Sitemasher, SmarterTools, Socialcast, SoftLayer, SolarWinds, SolutionSet, Sonasoft, SSH Communications Security, StackSafe, Starfire, SteelEye Technology, StillSecure, StoneFly, Stonesoft, Stoneware, StorageCraft, StorageNetworking.org, StorMagic, Stratus, Sun Microsystems , Oren Tech, SunGard, SunView, Supermicro,, Surgient, SWsoft, Sycros, Symantec, Systar, Telecompute, The 451 Group, The Israeli Association of Grid Technologies, TheInfoPro, ThinkEquity Partners, ThinPrint, Third Brigade, Tideway, Tigerpaw, TOA Solutions, ToutVirtual, Train Signal, TRANGO Virtual Processors, Tresys Technology, Trigence, Tripwire, Twisted Pair Solutions, UK-2 Limited, Ulteo, UniPrint, United Devices, V.i. Labs, VaST Systems, VDIworks, VeeAm Software, Veodia, Verio, VeriSign, Vicom, Vigilar, VirtenSys, Virtera, Virtual Computer, Virtual Iron, VirtualizationChat.com, VirtualLogix, Virtugo, Virtutech, Visionapp, VisionCore, VKernel, VM People, VM6, VMLogix, vmSight, vThere, Vyatta, Wyse Technology, XDS, XenoCode, Xiotech, xkoto, Xsigo.

AJAX & RIA Technology Contributors of 2009
3Tera, Abaque, Accenture, AccuRev, AccuSoft, Active Endpoints, Active Inquiry, ActiveState, Actuate, Adaptive Blue, Adaptive Path, Adobe Systems, Afrous Dashboard, Agitar Software, AGOSYS, AJAX 13, Akamai, Alfresco, Allurent, Alpha Software, Altova, Amazon.com, Appcelerator, Appeon, Apple Computer, Applibase, , AppTrigger, Apress, Aptana, Aragon Consulting, Art & Logic, Ask Pivot, Asperon, Astreya, Atlassian, Aztecsoft, Azul Systems,, BackBase, Barracuda Networks, Baynote, BEA Systems, Bizwhazee, Black Duck, Blogtronix, BlueFolder, BlueTie, BondDesk, Borland, BOSSdev, Bottomline, BScaler, Bungee Labs, Burton Group, CambrianHouse, Canoo Engineering, Cassatt, Cast Iron, Catalyst Resources, Cenzic, Chordiant, CIGNEX, Cisco Systems, Cision, Citrix Systems, Claria, Clearspring, CodeFlare, Codign, Coghead, Cognizant, ComponentArt, ComponentOne, Conference Guru, Coradiant, Corent Technology, CoreSpeed, Corizon, Crescendo Networks, CSS Group, cStar Technologies, CSW Group, Curl, Cybage, Cynergy Systems, Dapper, Dassault Systèmes, DataDirect, Day Software, dCongo, deCarta, Dell, Denim Group, Denodo, Design Universe, DeviceAnywhere, Dialcom, Dice.com, DiscountASP.NET, DotNetNuke, Drangonfly, DreamFace Interactive, Dynamic Toolbar, DynaTrace, EffectiveUI, Egnyte, Ektron, Elastic Path, Elementool, EMC, Encanvas, ENOVIA Matrix One, EnterpriseDB, Ephox, esnips, ESRI, Etelos Systems, etouch, Evans Data, Exadel, ezAJAX, F5 Networks, FeedbackFX, Fig Leaf Software, Finetooth, Fiorano Software, firstRain, FiveRuns, Foldera, Force10 Networks, Fortify, Forum Systems, Fotango, Freewebs, froglogic, Funambol, FundingPost, Furtherahead.com, Fusion Technologies, Gaggle.Net, GemStone, genius.com, Genuitec, Gizmox, Glassbox, GoGrid, Gomez, Inc., GreenHat, GreenPoint, GridApp Systems, Groupware Technology, Helmi Technologies, Hitachi America, Hosting.com, HostMySite.com, HP Software, Hummer Winblad Venture Partners, Ibiza Software, IBM, ICEsoft, ILOG, Impetus, iNetOffice, Infinilogic, Infragistics, Ingres, Inimit, Innominds, Innoopract, inpowr, InsideView, Instancy, Instantiations, Integration New Media, Intel, IntelliObjects, Intelliun, Interactive Networks, InterSystems, Isomorphic, IT Mill, ITtoolbox, JackBE, JadeLiquid, JasperSoft, Javeline, JBoss, JellyCloud, JetBrains, Jive Software, K2, Kaazing, Kapow, Keynote Systems, KonoLive, Krugle, Laszlo Systems, Lightstreamer, M/Gateway, Magic Software, Mainsoft, Manning Publications, Marathon Technologies, Mashery, Mashmatrix, MaxiScale, MB Technologies, Metia Software, Microsoft, Midnight Coders, Molecular, MomentumSI, Morfik, Neocleus, Neotys, Netfective, Netmite, NetSuite, Nexaweb, Nextapp, NextAxiom, NextDB.net, Nirvanix, Nitobi, Northwoods Software, Novell, Novulo, OASIS, ObjectWave, OpenLink, OpenLogic, OpenSpot, OpenWave, OPNET, OpSource, Oracle, OrangeHRM, OSS Nokalva, Parasoft, Passport Corporation, Pentaho, Perforce, Pervasive Software, Primavera Systems, PushToTest, QLogic, Quasar Technologies, Quest Software, Rackable Systems, Radialpoint, RadView Software, Rearden Commerce, Recursion Software, Red Hat, Roaring Penguin, Salesforce.com, SAP, Saven Technologies, Scalix, Servoy, SkillBuilders, Skyway, SL Corporation, SlickEdit, SnapLogic, SOA Software, Software AG, Software FX, Sonic Software, SoonR, Splunk, SugarCRM, Sun Microsystems, Sybase, iAnywhere Solutions, Symphoniq, TeaLeaf Technology, Tele Atlas, telerik, ThinkFree, TIBCO Software, TriveraTechnologies, Valtech, Visual Mining, VMware, Vocus, WatchFire, WaveMaker, Web Spiders, WebAppCabaret, Webtide, Wipro, WSO2, XAware, Xenos, Xythos Software, Yahoo!, Zapatec, ZCubes, Zimbra, ZOHO, and Zoovy.