According to a statement from VMware, VMsafe will provide security software makers access to the memory, CPU, and I/O systems of the virtual machine.
So far, about 20 security vendors have signed up, including Blue Lane, Cenzic, Check Point Software, F5, Fortinet, IBM, and Symantec.
"Symantec is exploring opportunities with VMware to deliver security solutions to customers using VMware environments," said Bruce McCorkendale, an engineer at Symantec in a statement. "We expect the VMsafe technology to be a key enabler in our ongoing efforts."
These APIs are definitely a step in the right direction, and will provide for more security options when it comes to locking down virtual machines. The catch, however, is that the more APIs that are created also creates more potential attack points. The devil, as always, will be in the details, and the implementation.