The company behind the popular Mac desktop virtualization software, Parallels, is now offering what it calls the first virtualization server software for Intel-based Apple hardware.
Released in a beta, Parallels Server from SWsoft allows multiple copies of Mac OS X Server 10.5 to run on Mac Pro or Xserve computers.
The software also runs on Windows- or Linux-based servers, and can be used either with the Parallels lightweight hypervisor or in "bare metal." With the hypervisor, virtual machines operate with a primary operating system; in "bare metal," virtual machines run independently without being dependent on a host operating system.
SUPPORT FOR 50 OPERATING SYSTEMS
The company said that Parallels Server is the only virtualization product that allows administrators to choose the hypervisor or bare-metal option during installation. Parallels Server supports more than 50 different guest operating systems, including Windows Server, Red Hat Linux, SUSE Enterprise Linux, Sun Solaris, and Mac OS X Server.
SWsoft said that Parallels Server is the first software to allow Mac OS X Server to run in a virtual machine, which means administrators can test patches, new software, and equipment in a "sandboxed" Mac OS X virtual machine before they are used in actual environments.
The company also said that Parallels Server is the first virtualization product to offer experimental support for Intels second-generation virtualization technology, known as Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O.
The support for VT-d not only will provide higher levels of performance, according to SWsoft, but also will allow administrators to assign hardware, such as a second graphics or network card, to a virtual machine.
RIDING WAVE OF INTEREST
Renton, Washington-based SWsoft, soon to be known as Parallels after its well-known product that enables desktop Macs to run both Mac OS and Windows, is hoping to ride the wave of renewed interest in Apples Xserve among businesses.
"Mac servers and its operating system have been experiencing a modest comeback in the enterprise in the last three or four years," said Laura DiDio, an analyst with industry research firm Yankee Group.
DiDio noted that Apple has "finally" started to lower its price on its servers, as well as its desktops. The price reduction, along with ease-of-use, she said, has helped the companys growth in acceptance among businesses.
"When I talk to I.T. managers," she added, "its a no-brainer for them to support their employees if they prefer to use a Mac." Virtualization software, along with ease-of-use for Leopard server software, can help to drive acceptance of Apples servers, she said.
Parallels Server software is notable for "its overall performance," she said, and the company is notable for "going where VMware aint." This strategy to differentiate itself from industry-leader VMware, she said, has led SWsoft to China and, now, further into the Mac market.
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