Virtualisation is an emerging technology on x86 platform simplifying deployment and
configuration of complex information technologies. In free and open source software for 
geoinformatics area, however, this trend is not yet fully reflected or leveraged. 
Paper introduce results and epxeriences with FOSS geospatial virtual appliance 
called 'MapSnack'.MapSnack is fully pre-installed and pre-configured geospatial web 
server that runs on any standard x86 machine in a self-contained, isolated 
environment.

Penetration of FOSS for geoinformatics can be speeded up with use of standard 
virtual appliances thus minimizing time for installation and basic configurations 
and maximizing focus on building up FOSS geospatial web solutions, related 
workflows and integration with ERP systems. Moreover abstraction from particular 
virtualisation platform  can be achieved with universal small boot CD with 
compressed file system installation on choosen virtual platform.
MapSnack high availability might be used together with appropriate tutorials as 
educational package for learning OGC standards and related geospatial products such 
as UMN Mapserver, GRASS, GDAL, etc)