Parallels Workstation 2.1 Delivers First Virtualization Solution for Intel-Powered Apple Computers; Enables Users to Run Windows, Linux and Other Operating Systems Alongside Mac OS X.HERNDON, Va. -- Parallels announced today that it is beginning beta testing (programming) beta testing - Testing a pre-release (potentially unreliable) version of a piece of software by making it available to selected users. This term derives from early 1960s terminology for product cycle checkpoints, first used at IBM but later standard throughout the for Parallels Workstation Virtual machine software from Parallels, Inc., Renton, WA (www.parallels.com) that allows versions of Windows and Linux to run on the same x86-based PC. Parallels Workstation supports Windows 2000, XP and Vista client operating systems, Windows 2000 and 2003 server versions, as well as 2.1 for Mac OS X, the first virtualization An umbrella term for enhancing a computer's ability to do work. Following are the ways virtualization is used. Hardware Virtualization Partitioning the computer's memory into separate and isolated "virtual machines" simulates multiple machines within one physical computer. software that gives Apple users the ability to simultaneously run Windows, Linux or any other operating system operating system (OS) Software that controls the operation of a computer, directs the input and output of data, keeps track of files, and controls the processing of computer programs. and their applications alongside Mac OS X on an Intel-powered Apple computer. Virtualization software enables users to run multiple operating systems Operating systems can be categorized by technology, ownership, licensing, working state, usage, and by many other characteristics. In practice, many of these groupings may overlap. , like Linux or Windows, in isolated "virtual machines" directly on a Mac OS X desktop, giving users the ability to run programs that are only available on those operating systems, without having to give up the usability and functionality of their Mac OS X machine. Each virtual machine operates exactly like a stand-alone computer See stand-alone PC. and contains its virtual hardware, including RAM, hard disk, processor, I/O ports, and CD/DVD-drives. New and existing Parallels users are welcome to download and evaluate a free, fully-functional 30-day trial of Parallels Workstation 2.1 for Mac OS X at www.parallels.com/download/mac. Beta users can submit comments, suggestions and feedback by visiting http://www.parallels.com/en/mac, or by sending an email to macbeta@parallels.com. "Parallels Workstation for Mac OS X gives Mac users a viable virtualization solution that will let them embrace widely-used operating systems like Windows and Linux without having to give up the power, usability and familiarity of their Macintosh," said Benjamin Rudolph, Parallels Marketing Manager. "This release underscores our commitment to building solutions that anyone, regardless of budget, technology savvy, or operating system can use to improve productivity and platform flexibility." The solution takes advantage of Apple's inclusion of Intel Core Duo architected chips into all new Macintosh computer models. Because the Intel Core Duo chipset is x86-compatible, the Parallels virtualization engine can easily virtualize To cause a virtual technique to be performed. See virtualization. the hardware, thus enabling Macintosh users to build virtual machines running nearly any x86-compatible OS, including Windows 3.1-XP/2003, Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, OS/2, eComStation, and MS-DOS MS-DOS in full Microsoft Disk Operating System Operating system for personal computers. MS-DOS was based on DOS, developed in 1980 by Seattle Computer Products. Microsoft Corp. bought the rights to DOS in 1981, and released MS-DOS with IBM's PC that year. . Parallels' full support of Intel Virtualization Technology See VT. (R), which is included in most new Core Duo chipset, ensures that virtual machine performance is close to near-native and that each virtual machine is stable and completely isolated from other virtual machines and the host physical machine. The GA (general availability) release of the product is expected in the next several weeks. Apple users should be aware that the Parallels Workstation for Mac OS X works with any Intel-powered Apple computer running Mac OS 10.4.4 or higher. The product is not compatible with PowerPC-powered Apple computers. Just last month, Parallels introduced its Workstation 2.1 virtualization software for Linux and Windows-powered workstations, desktops and notebooks. The easy-to-use, high-performance software costs $49.99. In addition to its desktop virtualization solutions, the company is in development for a two user-friendly, cost-effective server virtualization solutions. Parallels Server, due in mid-2006, is targeted at small and medium businesses looking to maximize hardware resources and curb IT costs. Parallels Enterprise Server is a high-end server virtualization solution designed to help large enterprises effectively virtualize and manage their significant server resources About Parallels Parallels is a server and workstation virtualization solutions company committed to building powerful, user friendly, cost-effective products that can be used by anyone, from an experienced developer to a computer "newbie A first-time user. A newbie may be a novice in anything; using a computer, a video game, a particular operating system, the Internet, etc. Also called a "newb," "noob" or "nub." (jargon) newbie " to improve efficiency, lower hardware costs, and reduce operating expenses Operating expenses The amount paid for asset maintenance or the cost of doing business, excluding depreciation. Earnings are distributed after operating expenses are deducted. . The company's products all feature hypervisor technology for strong, stable virtual machines, and an intuitive web-like interface that facilitates quick set-up and usage. Additionally, Parallels solutions fully support Intel Virtualization Technology architecture, which is optimized to provide superior virtual machine performance. The company is rapidly growing and employs a global team of experienced technical and business professionals. For more information, please visit www.parallels.com. |
|
||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion