Release Candidate 2 of Parallels Desktop for Mac
Improves Performance and Stability
Final pre-release version also adds Compressor functionality
HERNDON, Va. - May 31st, 2006 - Parallels
((www.parallels.com)www.parallels.com) today announced the immediate
availability of the release candidate 2 (RC2) of Parallels Desktop for Mac,
the first virtualization software that gives Apple users the ability to
simultaneously run Windows, Linux or any other operating system and their
applications in a stable, secure high-performing, virtual machine alongside
Mac OS X on any Intel-powered Apple computer.
RC2 is the final release in the product's multi-stage Beta program that has
generated more than 100,000 testers from 71 countries. It resolves
technical issues and improves overall virtual machine performance as well
as the functionality of a number of important features, including file
sharing and cutting/pasting between operating systems, networking, USB
device support and sound and video playback.
As part of Parallels' commitment to simplicity, and in response to many
user requests, the company has integrated Parallels Compressor Server - a
powerful management tool that can reduce the size of Windows 2000, XP or
2003 virtual hard disks by 50% or more - directly into Parallels Desktop.
The enhanced product will be available for sale at $79.99, $150 less than
the cost of buying stand-alone copies of Parallels Desktop for $49.99 and
Parallels Compressor Server for $179.99. As an extended promotion,
Parallels plans to offer the enhanced product at $49.99 for 30-days
following its release.
Customers who placed pre-orders at the special price of $39.99 will receive
the feature-enhanced final Parallels Desktop product at no additional cost.
The pre-order special price, which is half the product list price, remains
in effect. New and existing users interested in taking advantage of the
pre-order special can register by visiting the Parallels Online Store at
(http://www.parallels.com/en/buyonline).
"By integrating Parallels Compressor functionality into the Desktop
product, users save substantial time and money versus buying and installing
the products separately," said Benjamin Rudolph, Marketing Manager,
Parallels. "We're staying true to our goals of building easy-to-use,
high-value products while delivering additional benefits at an attractive
pre-order special price."
New and existing users are welcome to download a free, fully-functional
copy of Parallels Desktop for Mac RC2 at
(http://www.parallels.com/en/download/mac). User comments, suggestions, and
feedback are welcome and can be submitted via the company's online support
form at (http://www.parallels.com/en/macsupport).
The final release version of Parallels Desktop for Mac is expected in the
upcoming weeks.
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"
to improve efficiency, lower hardware costs, and reduce operating expenses.
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.
