Parallels Software to be Sold in Stores

Virtualization software maker Parallels said Tuesday it had struck deals with several electronics retailers to offer its utility that allows an Intel Macintosh to run Windows and Mac OS X simultaneously. While Apple provides similar capabilities with Boot Camp, a user must restart the computer to boot Windows.

Over the next month, Parallels will appear in Apple's company stores as well as on Amazon.com, and through CompUSA, Fry's Electronics, Office Depot and Staples. Apple has been quite receptive to the program, even mentioning it in one of its new Mac television ads. Virtualization capabilities are expected to be part of Apple's next operating system, code-named Leopard.