VMware prepares Fusion dump for Mac crowd

Get it while it's cheap

By Ashlee Vance in Mountain View • Get more from this author

2nd August 2007 20:25 GMT

If you're at all interested in VMware's Fusion software that lets you run multiple operating systems on a Mac, you may want to pony up for the code now. On Monday, VMware will officially start selling Fusion, ending a very drawn out beta period. The software should retail at $79, but you can still order it ahead of time for $39.

Fusion brings VMware's virtualization technology to the Mac. It lets customers run Windows, Linux and Solaris on Jobsian kit without a reboot. This OS support extends all the way up to 64-bit code, including Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition.

Beyond just running the OSes, you can shift text and files between Mac OS X and Linux or Solaris. You'll also find find some of VMware's backup tools such as a snapshot function that rolls unresponsive software back to a more pleasant state.

VMware's software goes up against Parallels Desktop for Mac, which has shipped for 16 months. The Parallels crew argue that they've been updating their software at pace to meet user needs, while VMware is just getting its code wet on the Mac.

For full browbeating and the skinny on a new beta of the next Parallels Desktop for Mac rev, travel here. ®