VMware Announces Mac Product Availability

Attempting to move in on Parallels' turf, VMware on Tuesday announced the pre-order for a previously announced product that allows users to run any x86 operating system simultaneously.

A preorder special would give consumers the opportunity to purchase VMware Fusion for $39.99, some $40 cheaper than its rival. When the general availability of Fusion arrives in August, the price will be pegged at $79.99.

Beta versions of the client have been downloaded over 200,000 times, the company said. The product marks the first time VMware has produced virtualization software for the Mac platform.

Since Apple's switch to Intel, and now its support for running Windows, many have begun to consider Macs as suitable platforms for virtualization applications. Also helping this along is a generally more acceptive environment for virtualization outside the enterprise.

"We're thrilled that VMware will be releasing its proven virtualization software that makes the Mac even more appealing to Windows users considering the Mac," Apple's developer relations head Ron Okamoto said in a statement.

Key features of the platform includes seamless Windows integration where XP applications can be run directly from the desktop; Boot Camp integration; 3-D graphics support; and backup functionality among others.