Canonical Ltd, the commercial sponsor of Ubuntu, announced the availability of Parallels Workstation for Linux through the Ubuntu Partner Repository - giving Ubuntu users the ability to quickly find, install and run Parallels software.
The deal gives Parallels direct access to users of the most widely used Linux desktop distributions.
"Partnering with Canonical is a great way for Parallels to bring user friendly desktop virtualization to the ever-expanding global community of Ubuntu users," said Bryan Goode, director of business development, Parallels. "Parallels Software provides Ubuntu users with added flexibility to any program from almost any operating system, without having to give up their Ubuntu desktop, even for a few minutes."
The company is making Parallels Workstation for Linux available to users through the operating system's built-in software update tool interface and using a feature called the Ubuntu Partner Repository. The repository supplements the thousands of free and open source applications available through other Ubuntu repositories, and contains both proprietary and open source applications provided by Ubuntu Partners.
The Parallels Workstation virtualization software allows users to run both Windows and Linux operating systems simultaneously on a single system.
"We have always been committed to providing Ubuntu users with choice," said Randy Linnell, consumer services manager, Canonical. "Parallels is excellent virtualization technology which many users have requested. Being able to come to a commercial arrangement to make it available is great for Ubuntu users and the project itself. We look forward to users supporting it."
The version of the Parallels virtualization software available through the Ubuntu Partner Repository is a trial version. However, users can purchase permanent keys for the software through the online Canonical store, shop.canonical.com or direct at the Parallels Web site, www.parallels.com.