Parallels has unleashed the latest version of its desktop virtualization technology for the Mac, which already enables more than 1.5 million users to run Windows, Linux and other operating systems inside Mac OS X. Called Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac, the new platform is designed to perform computing tasks at speeds up to 50 percent faster than earlier versions.
Desktop virtualization technology from Parallels and others is one factor driving the adoption of Mac desktops and laptops, with shipments jumping 46.6 percent during the first half the year, compared to the year-earlier period, noted IDC Analyst Michael Rose.
“The growth, in both performance and ease of use, of desktop virtualization software is making it easier for Windows users to adopt Macintosh computers,” Rose said. “Those users leveraging virtualization software on their Macintosh hardware will find that many of the new capabilities in Parallels Desktop 4.0 represent another step forward.”
Performance Boosters
The new virtualization platform features a redesigned user interface that provides quick access to all virtual machines. Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac also improves upon earlier iterations by introducing support for video boosters such as DirectX 9, DirectX Pixel Shader 2.0, and OpenGL 2.0.
Even better, Desktop 4.0 for Mac incorporates a new virtualization engine. Called the adaptive hypervisor, it consumes 15 to 30 percent less resources than previous versions. “The adaptive hypervisor gives our users the resources they need on the fly,” said John Hermes, chief technology officer at Oklahoma Christian University.
Laptop users will find that Desktop 4.0 for Mac now sports a power-saver feature that can reduce the platform’s drain on battery life by up to 20 percent. The new platform is also specifically designed to take advantage of the capabilities inherent in the latest dual-core and quad-core processors from Intel.
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