Virtualization
Windows support calls have dropped 62 percent since we migrated to Mac OS X. The irony is that Parallels virtualization software runs our applications better than our previous operating system. Dale Frantz, CIO Dale Frantz,
Auto Warehousing Company
The Mac: Real versatility through virtualization.
Traditionally, businesses have selected their operating systems and hardware platforms based on the software applications they need to run. This is especially true of businesses with legacy Windows applications critical to their success, or with users in the organization who were not ready to give up specific Windows applications just yet.
In many businesses, the need to use and run multiple operating systems and applications is the norm, not the exception. To provide end-users with the tools they need, organizations typically need to run various applications on the same server or desktop system, regardless of whether they were developed for Mac OS X, Windows server systems, or Linux. With the Mac and Xserve, the hardware decision is no longer difficult, because Apple systems can run practically anything an organization needs using tools for virtualization.
For IT professionals, virtualization technologies for both desktop and server are easy to deploy and maintain. They are not only breaking down the barriers between Mac, PC, and Linux worlds, but because of their ease of use and reliability are breaking down the barriers that, in the past, have kept desktop and server virtualization from becoming a mainstream technology for consumers, businesses, and other professional users.
Multiple operating systems. One machine.
So why not have the best of all worlds? Today, many users are choosing the Mac due to its virtually virus-free operation and rock-solid reliability. Yet they may want to run operating systems and applications that are not yet available for the Mac platform. Products like Parallels Desktop for Mac, Parallels Server for Mac, and VMware Fusion give Intel-based Mac and Xserve users the ability to run almost any operating system and its accompanying applications concurrently. With an Xserve running server virtualization software, your organization can eliminate the need to maintain outdated or redundant hardware—reducing the load on IT administrators as well as server support costs.
Easy configuration.
With an Intel-powered Mac, such as a Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, iMac, MacBook, or Mac mini, and either Parallels Desktop for Mac or VMware Fusion, you can easily set up virtual machines on your organization’s Mac systems. Or, you can transform an Xserve into a multi-operating-system platform with Parallels Server for Mac or VMware Fusion 2. There is no need for complex hardware configurations, and, in most cases, no need for manuals. In fact, IT novices can build and configure virtual machines and install multiple operating systems to run on a Mac. Virtualization solutions even automatically install and configure the printer and other hardware drivers required for other operating systems.
Once you’ve got desktop or server virtualization solution up and running, each virtual machine has its own window on the desktop, giving end users powerful interoperability between operating systems. Let’s say your users are running Mac OS X alongside Windows virtual machines. They can run the two different operating systems side by side, drag files between Mac OS X and Windows applications, or even copy and paste items between the Mac and Windows desktops. They can run any Windows-only applications, like Microsoft Project or Visio, for instance—without rebooting or complicated setup. And they can do it while enjoying the ironclad security, ease of use, and superb functionality of the Mac.
The Mac offers additional flexibility and options. For instance, you can also, via Apple’s Remote Desktop Connection Client, connect to a Windows-based computer and work with programs and files on that computer from your Mac. Or, you can use popular products like Citrix for Mac to access virtually any enterprise data and applications.
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Looking for additional products that complement your Apple solution? Here are just a few of the many solutions designed for the Mac from third-party developers.
