It has been noticed that Apple has been pushing Parallels forward instead of its own dual boot solution. Some have hypothesized that it is because Apple is moving towards virtualization in the upcoming version of its OS and is as such trying to wean people off Boot Camp. However, it might be something entirely different altogether.

"Apple Computer retail stores will soon start selling Parallels' virtualization software, allowing users to run Windows and Mac applications simultaneously," Tom Krazit reports for CNET News.

In this interesting report, Krazit says that not only the Apple Stores, but also CompUSA, Staples, Office Depot, Fry's Electronics and Amazon.com have lined to up to offer Parallels Desktop for Mac over the next 30 days. While so far there has not been any official statement from either Parallels or Apple, the Parallels box has begun appearing in certain Apple stores according to an Ars Technica report, a very clear indication that Leopard will not have any built in virtualization.

If there were any virtualization in Leopard, why would Apple be promoting a third party solution that does the exact same thing? Furthermore, if Parallels' solution does find its way onto Apple stores, that would mean that it would be on the shelves for a few weeks at the very most, before WWDC comes along and Apple unveils Leopard. If Leopard were to have virtualization built in that would make Parallels obsolete, something that simply does not make any sense from a retail point of view.

Apple spokespeople have said that there will be no virtualization in Leopard… if Apple does start selling Parallel's software in their store, it will be all to clear.