Redmond (WA) - Microsoft has announced that it will purchase Kidaro, a computer startup specializing in deskop virtualization, for an undisclosed sum of money.

It plans to use Kidaro’s technology in its Desktop Optimization Pack and also for other virtualization applications.

Additionally, Microsoft said it hopes this move will allow it to better optimize Vista and create more incentives for users to take the jump from XP, to which many PC owners still passionately cling.

Microsoft has been a strong proponent of desktop virtualization for a number of years. Kidaro will maintain its research and development group in Israel and its three co-founders will now be Microsoft employees.