Leapfrogging

It's been a while since we highlighted a product review on this blog, and so very quickly, I'd just like to mention this recent article written by Andrew Harrison for PC Advisor and published earlier today. Andrew tested both Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac and VMware Fusion 2 with WorldBench 6 real-world test suite. Here's a snippet:

"With new features added in version 4.0, Parallels Desktop 4.0 has not only caught up with VMWare but in many cases leapfrogged its competitor. The wealth of new features may overload a casual user, but the marginally higher overall performance should please all users of this worthy crossover program." 

Better yet, being an avid gamer it was great to see this reviewer test the products with Monolith Productions' F.E.A.R. with good results on both platforms, though Fusion 2 had more glitchy artifacts (improperly rendered elements) appear during gameplay. 

It was actually nice to see the original F.E.A.R. get a little attention as well. When it was new on the market, quite a few high-end PC benchmarkers used the game for testing. For those involved in the wide world of video games, you know that F.E.A.R. 2 just released a few days ago. One of the big reasons I can't wait to play the sequel is because the first one was so amazing. Great graphics, great enemy A.I. and most importantly a huge library of creepy in-game audio that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

For those who had been curious about F.E.A.R. but didn't own a PC, now would seem as good a time as any to check it out on your Mac through a Windows VM in Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac. Make sure the kiddies are in bed first, though. You wouldn't want them to see you fall out of your chair.

For all the little details, you can read Andrew's full product review right here:

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/index.cfm?reviewid=110756&pn=1

Monolith Productions' F.E.A.R. website is here (Age 18+ only):

http://www.whatisfear.com/

F.E.A.R. Wiki page here (Less scary than actual website):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F.E.A.R.

Unix Doomsday

February 13th is also Friday the 13th this month. The almighty Wikipedia (from which I receive roughly 82% of all my trivial information) tells us that fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskavedekatriaphobia (and that fear of just the number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia). Most people consider fear over this day to be based on pure superstition, and I totally agree. What I am afraid of, though, is the fact that this particular Friday the 13th is also going to pass 1234567890 in Unix time, also known as POSIX time.

As my good friend Adama would say, grab your gun and bring in the cat. This is an omen for nerds everywhere. Something big is going on - could be good; could be bad. Personally I think I'll lay low and keep my finger on the ESC key.

Tekserve - Parallels 'Partner of the Year 2008'

Parallels attended the 5th Annual Apple Specialist Marketing Co-op (ASMC) conference during Macworld 2009 last month. There are some images from the event:

 

As you can see, the latest in Parallels server technology was on display - The Parallels LLX 9000 Spectrum Clock device!

 

Only... hmm, that's strange. That doesn't look like the Parallels LLX 9000 Spectrum Clock device; more like a modified Nintendo Wii. Well either way, this is what was given away at the conference. The lucky recipients are now either turning solid matter into inverse photons, or they're playing Super Smash Bros - if the former, please don't submerge the device in liquid, even partially - if the latter, please forget my mention of the top secret Parallels LLX 9000 Spectrum Clock device.

One other very important thing was given away at the event: a Parallels award to Tekserve for "2008 Reseller Channel Partner of the Year for North America Business and Consumer Sales," which is a mouthfull, so I just call it the Parallels Partner of the Year award. Congratulations, and a big thank you to Tekserve for your critical role in helping Parallels meet and exceed customer needs. Tekserve has helped raise the standard for sales and marketing innovation, solutions selling as well as customer support.

About Tekserve:

Tekserve is a private company held in New York with over 200 employees. They primarily specialize in Apple computer repairs, as well as services for both casual and business graphic, audio and video professionals. Tekserve has grown to be New York's authority on Apple sales and service; we're proud to have them as a partner!

For more information on Tekserve, visit their website here:

http://www.tekserve.com/

Between the Lines

Parallels Summit 2009 is now underway! I'd like to direct everyone's attention to our new Between the Lines page, which is where the Parallels Summit live blogging will be posted.

I suspect this year's Parallels Summit will be very interesting for those involved with the wide world of virtualization. I also suspect it to be extremely amusing and/or worth getting me fired for posting publicly on the Internets. Oh, did I mention that it's in Las Vegas this year?

Expect the live blog running throughout the entirety of our lovely gathering. Also, there will be pretty pictures. I promise it will be

worth multiple visits.

The link to our new Between the Lines blog is here:

http://blogs.Parallels.com/betweenthelines

You'll notice that all the previous blogs from our Virtualization Inc. have been transported over as well. Please pardon our housekeeping while we swap links around. If anyone has questions, comments or gambling tips, please respond to those blogs and not here.