Software-Based System Simulation: Virtutech Announces Simics Hindsight

This IDC study discusses software-based system simulation, which has made significant strides in the last several years. These component and system simulations now allow us to approach software development with new capabilities that reach beyond the boundaries of their physical brethren and bring new software development techniques to bear. The software market is essentially a never-ending stream of new and improved products with vast arrays of new features; what could enable simulation products to rise above the noise? The answer lies in the ability to reach beyond the limitations of physical digital devices.

Software-based system simulation has intriguing possibilities, from the ability to create a software simulation of a digital device that does not physically exist to the remarkable ability to run a software application slower or faster than real time or in reverse. Consequently, it is the opinion of Stephen D. Hendrick, IDC's group vice president in charge of Application Development and Deployment Research, that "software-based system simulation appears to qualify as a space to watch and Virtutech likewise as one of its rising stars."