Phoenix provides an alternative to traditional operating systems

Despite being the largest provider of BIOS software to computer makers in the world, Phoenix Technologies is not about to sit still. For now, Phoenix has already upped the ante by leveraging virtualization technology to provide services not traditionally supplied by the BIOS.

Dubbed HyperSpace, the new BIOS software was released earlier this year. HyperSpace offers functionalities akin to that of full-fledged operating system--but from a fast-booting and safe platform. So what is the rationale behind running a slimmed-down operating system from the BIOS?

The key word here is "speed." Unencumbered by the traditional weight of software drivers, the of myriad startup applications and resident utilities, HyperSpace loads with blistering speed. In addition, the hypervisor software also uses far less processor and memory resources compared to traditional operating systems such as Windows. Built on the Linux operating system, HyperSpace is also able to run common applications such as a web browser, a media player, and common office productivity software.

It is hard to know for certain where the path taken by Phoenix will lead. One thing is for sure, its success would certainly result in the creation of a whole new market. In the meantime, a major upgrade to HyperSpace is planned in June, which is aimed to create a better development platform to entice developers. And yes, an application store is apparently in the pipeline too.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at Technology Review

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