Apple is aiming to encourage Mac usage to its business consumers by displaying iMacs running a copy of Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system within Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac in the business section of its stores, according to a report from 9to5Mac. Apple Retail Stores will also train business specialists on using Parallels and Windows software as part of the initiative.
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Apple currently includes a section on its website with information on how to run Windows and its associated software on a Mac through Boot Camp, a multi boot utility introduced in Mac OS X Leopard. However, virtualization software such as Parallels Desktop and VMWare Fusion have been alternative choices for users who want to run Windows on a Mac due to the non-requirement of a reboot and the ability to run Windows simultaneously within an active session of OS X.
The latest version of Parallels, Parallels Desktop 8, was released last August, adding new features such as full support for Windows 8 and automatic visual optimization for the software when running on Retina displays.
The standard edition of the software retails for $79.99 on Apple's Online Store, though pre-orders have begun popping up for the next generation of the software, Parallels Desktop 9. Currently, Amazon Germany and Apple Authorized Reseller MacMall have the software for $74.99 with an expected release date of September 5.
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Apple Retail Stores to Encourage Mac Business Usage with Parallels Desktop, Parallels 9 Pre-Orders Begin Popping Up
Here's an idea: how about encouraging Mac business use by making more awesome Mac business software?So why Parallels and not VMware Fusion? VMware is the leader in third-party virtualization technology -- we use their server-based stuff for clients on a regular basis. All Parallels does is desktop-based virtualization, if I remember correctly.
PS: I've had clients ask me whether they should do this so that they can use Macs at work. I've told them the downsides of virtualization (it's high-maintenance and more prone to crashing than a non-virtualized environment) and what's always ended the discussion is the question, "Why do you want a Mac at work beyond trying to impress people?"
What do you mean by: "(it's high-maintenance and more prone to crashing than a non-virtualized environment)" ???
On the contrary, a virtual environment ON GOOD HARDWARE provides better reliability and faster disaster recovery than a non-virtual environment.
So, if what you mentioned has been based on your experience, you may be doing it wrong.
Otherwise, why go virtual???
Also, at this point, Apple is trying to push the Mac with Parallels at the Desktop level, not at the server level; at least this doesn't seem to be the case for now.
And it would be for apps that must run under Windows.
A lot of important business apps are now being developed for the Mac, so this Windows solution would be as a transition for those businesses who want reliable Mac hardware with Windows compatibility while required.
At the server level, every business has different needs: some must use Windows, other can do Linux or OS X. Others must use AIX, etc.
So at the server level there's no "rule that applies all".
VMWare makes some great products, and is a great company, but for running Windows on a Mac, Parallels wins hands down.
The differences may not be a big deal for resource-light programs, but we use Autodesk Inventor, Solidworks, Surfcam and Architectural Desktop, and the performance is drastic.
Win8 was not an upgrade though. Went back to our Win7 images instead. At its best, windows stays out of sight & out of mind, in transparency mode, like an invisible layer that allows our cad programs to run as if they're running in OSX. We restore our windows images from Time Machine over the weekend. Brand new windows installs every monday morning keeps windows working. :)
MS should come out with half as many Windows OS's as they do. Just skip the even number ones and put the resources into sprucing up the solid odd numbered ones.
"Why do you want a Mac at work beyond trying to impress people?"
So the IT people don't have total control of how we should use our laptop.