Parallels releases beta 3 of its Mac virtualization software

Virtualization company Parallels has released a new beta of its server virtualization software for Intel-based Macs.

Parallel's application allows an enterprise IT department to virtualize server environments, thus saving money on hardware needs. By definition, the platform is a "bare-metal hypervisor."

This means the guest operating system operates a level above the operating system, rather than within another, as the standard Parallels virtualization program does.

Beta 3 of the software includes several enhancements, Parallels said. Among these are an integrated set of tools including Parallels Tools, Image Tools, and Transporter. In addition, to assist in development, an SDK and API will also be offered.

Parallels Server for Mac Supports Intel Virtualization Technology, as well as 32 and 64-bit platform and guest OS support. It also includes a command line tool and support for scripting languages, according to marketing materials from the company.

The company has also indicated that it is working with Apple to soon provide a virtualized Mac OS X server as well. No time frame was given for the availability of such functionality.