14 DAY TRIAL // Parallels has confirmed the upcoming availability of Parallels Server for Mac 4, an upgrade that reportedly consolidates multiple operating systems, resulting in the ability to retire redundant hardware and to extend existing capabilities, the company announced in a report. As a result of consolidation, Parallels Server 4 for Mac uses less physical space, draws less power from the computer, and even demands less administration skills to manage.
Host and guest support has been added for Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. Guest support for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 is also mentioned in the official report, among other significant upgrades, although Parallels Server 4 for Mac isn’t due out until July 2nd. But there’s a lot to look forward to, Parallels suggests, such as Apple xSAN support, VLANs, resource usage accounting, full and incremental backups, express installations for Windows and Linux guests, and migration and conversion of virtual machines.
Additionally, all of the advanced automation and management features of Parallels Virtual Automation have been added to the Parallels Server for Mac 4 installations. These include user self service, anytime/anywhere management and click to migrate capabilities, according to the makers of the popular virtualization solution.
"This release improves both speed and reliability for virtual environments on Apple server hardware," said Jack Zubarev, President of Parallels. "Parallels Server for Mac 4 is the only solution on the market built and optimized for Mac OS X Server. Additionally the integration with Parallels Virtual Automation enables a single management system for a wide variety of virtual environments and hardware."
"Parallels Server for Mac has played a pivotal role in our enterprise resource planning with the scalability and flexibility our fast paced environment demands" said Sasan Poureetezadi, Director of Computer Services at Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Arizona State University. "The solution has given us the flexibility to deploy enterprise class solutions on-demand, under budget, and in record time."
When it ships in July, Parallels Server 4 for Mac will be priced at $1,999 (USD), although the upgrade is included at no additional cost to Parallels Server 3 customers on maintenance. Those without maintenance will be offered an upgrade SKU at a special time limited offer, although actual pricing remains to be disclosed. Customers can reportedly pre-order their upgrades as of now. The software will be purchasable through select Apple stores, software resellers, as well as from Parallels themselves.