Parallels - virtualization software for any system

Parallels is one of the most well-known software developers for virtualization software, known for reliability and expertise. If you are looking for a partner that will always guide you through the virtualization process, Parallels is the right choice. If you are thinking about buying a program from Parallels, the first thing you should determine is on which system you will use the software. Indeed, on the one hand, Parallels offers programs such as Parallels Desktop 16 Standard, Parallels Desktop 16 Professional, Parallels Desktop 17 Standard or Parallels Desktop 17 Pro, if you need virtualization on a Mac. On the other hand, Parallels Workstation, for example, is available if you use a Microsoft Windows or Linux system.

What is meant by virtualization?

You may not even be aware of what the term virtualization actually means and what you should buy a program like Parallels Desktop for. Basically, virtualization means creating a virtual space on an existing computer or operating system that can be used, for example, to create a virtual computer with a different operating system. So imagine the following situation: For example, you are currently using a Mac, but you want to test a new operating system, such as Windows 11.

Of course, you don't want to buy a whole new computer system, including hardware, just to test the new operating system. Virtualization software such as Parallels Desktop 16 Standard or Parallels Desktop 16 Professional would give you just that opportunity and allow you to try out Windows 11 on your Mac. Once you have the program installed, you create the necessary virtual space and create your own virtual computer system that you can customize. This way, you can freely test the features of Windows 11, for example.

Why is virtualization software so important?

Especially in today's world, virtualization software plays a not insignificant role, regardless of whether you need it in a private or professional environment. But what are the benefits of such software? To understand this, put yourself in the following situation: Your company has several branch offices, which of course have different main tasks. In order to be able to perform all tasks appropriately, different functions and different operating systems are required. For example, one office may use Microsoft Windows as its main system, while another office focuses on Mac. Consequently, however, sooner or later it will be necessary for both field offices to be able to communicate and work with each other on a digital level. To ensure this, the same programs must be usable and documents readable. If this is not the case, efficient and effective collaboration cannot be guaranteed.

This is mainly because there are certain programs that can only be used on special operating systems. The same applies, of course, to the associated formats. Microsoft Office 365 serves as an example here. This software collection contains numerous useful tools that can normally only be used on Microsoft Windows, however. These include programs such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word or Microsoft PowerPoint. If one branch office uses Microsoft Windows and the corresponding programs and formats, while the other branch office uses the Mac as its main system, collaboration is not impossible, but it is much more complicated. In the worst case, it can even happen that both branch offices cannot even read the files of the other and have to laboriously convert them into a suitable format.

As you probably understand, this is no way for a company to remain competitive in the long run and it must find a way to eliminate such problems as quickly as possible. This is exactly where virtualization software comes in and offers you a straightforward solution that can be implemented even by non-experts.

How can virtualization software help?

To understand how virtualization software can help in such a case, modify the situation a bit. Your company still has two remote offices, one using Microsoft Windows and the other using the Mac as its main system, but this time you have virtualization software at your disposal, for example Parallels Desktop 17 Pro. So now the remote office using the Mac creates its own virtual computer on which any version of Windows is installed. This way, the employees are able to use Windows-specific applications and edit corresponding files. So if the next thing they need to edit is a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation or a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, that's no longer a problem. So nothing stands in the way of collaboration between the branch offices.

What should you look for when buying?

Before you choose Parallels software, you should check what system you are using and what your intention is with virtualization. There are special virtualization programs for Microsoft Windows, Linux or Mac. However, within these programs you can use any operating system. If you use a Mac, you can buy Parallels Desktop, for example, as this software was developed specifically for Macs. For Microsoft Windows, on the other hand, Parallels Workstation is available. Both programs are of high quality and offer the same service.

You should also determine what goal you are pursuing with virtualization. Do you want to use the software in your private life or do you need it in your job? Should individual computers be virtualized or even entire server systems? The larger the scope of virtualization is to be, the more comprehensive the license or version used should be. For example, if you are planning to virtualize an entire server system within your company, you should choose programs such as Parallels Desktop 16 Professional, as they usually offer much more extensive features that are specifically geared towards the needs of a professional environment.

Who is worth buying Parallels for?

In principle, an investment in virtualization software can be worthwhile for everyone, as it can be used for various purposes. It doesn't matter if you just want to try out a new operating system or if the complete virtualization of your company is in the cards. So if you are interested, don't be afraid to try out Parallels software. The possibilities offered are extremely extensive and worthwhile in any case.