VirtualBox is a software, which allows running programs developed for one OS on the devices with another OS. The software was created in 2007 by Oracle and bought by Sun in 2008. The software is free, as the company calls it basic.
Meaning and history
VirtualBox, a prominent player in the virtualization software market, was founded by Innotek GmbH, a German software company, in 2007. The foundation of VirtualBox marked a significant step in the evolution of virtualization technology, providing a flexible and efficient solution for running multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single physical machine. Initially, VirtualBox mainly catered to individual users and small businesses, offering them an accessible and user-friendly platform for virtualization.
As VirtualBox matured, it achieved several notable milestones. In 2008, Sun Microsystems acquired Innotek GmbH, leading to enhanced development and broader recognition of VirtualBox. This acquisition was a testament to VirtualBox’s growing significance in the tech industry. Under Sun Microsystems, VirtualBox saw significant enhancements, including improved performance, support for a wider range of guest operating systems, and the introduction of advanced features like snapshot capabilities and seamless mode. These advancements solidified its position as a go-to solution for developers, IT professionals, and tech enthusiasts.
In the current landscape, VirtualBox continues to thrive under Oracle Corporation, which acquired Sun Microsystems in 2010. Under Oracle’s stewardship, VirtualBox has expanded its capabilities further, integrating seamlessly with Oracle’s broader suite of enterprise solutions. It remains a popular choice for virtualization, known for its robust feature set, cross-platform compatibility, and active community support. VirtualBox’s enduring popularity and continual development reflect its established position in the realm of virtualization solutions.
What is VirtualBox?
VirtualBox is a powerful, open-source virtualization software developed by Oracle Corporation. It enables users to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, providing a versatile and efficient solution for various computing needs. With its wide range of features and strong community support, VirtualBox stands as a key tool for developers, IT professionals, and technology enthusiasts.
2007 – 2008
The very first Virtual Box logo was based on the image we all can see today on the modern logo. It was a sky blue and white three-dimensional cube with its upper side having a heart rate white line on it, and two other sides — a neat narrowed sans-serif lettering, also in white.
2008 – 2009
The redesign of 2008 refined the contours of all the elements and switched a color palette of the Virtual Box logo to a darker one, with the sea-blue shade as the main one. In the new color scheme, the cube started looking more professional and “expensive”, evoking a sense of reliability and security.
2009 – 2010
A year after updating the logo, Sun Microsystems changed the color palette again. They introduced a significantly darker blue color. This made the product look more solid and trustworthy. The fact that the company preserved the original idea reflected its stability and loyalty to the original values.
2010 – 2024
With the change in ownership, the logo had only changed the inscription to reflect this change. Instead of featuring the Sun Microsystems logo on the left, it had the Oracle logo. Otherwise, it looked almost identical to the logo created several years ago when the software has just appeared.
2024 – Today
The redesign of 2024 has completely changed the concept and the designer’s approach to the Virtual Box logo. The well-known cube image was replaced by a somewhat abstract — two flat elements in sea green and orange, set on a plain white background. The weird futuristic shapes and the combination of colors make this new brand’s image very interesting, unique, and memorable.