Windows
Applications on a Mac with Parallels Desktop for Mac
As enablers
of Mac® integration into traditional Windows® networks, Parallels® often
surveys Windows IT professionals to understand the trends associated with
supporting a dual platform environment. In our latest research, we wanted to
understand the usage and growth of incoming Mac devices, the advantages of
incorporating Mac, and how IT pros perceive support and management of Apple®
computers. This is the third in a series of five blog posts that summarize our
results, the challenges revealed, and the solutions available. Click here to
read the first and second blog post of this series.
This post
will explore how our customers are using Mac devices at work, and what they
think about Parallels Desktop® for Mac Business Edition. But don’t take my word
for it—here is what they have to say:
“The reason
that so many people at Autodesk use Parallels Desktop is because of better
graphics support compared to VMware Fusion®.” Gerd Hoeren, Platform Architect
at Autodesk
“The program
works. Decided to try a MacBook Air® for travel even though my business
software is Windows based. Loaded Parallels and Windows with no problems, 2+
years and going strong.” Ian Grainger, Grad Student
“The PC
computer is used for business mostly and runs Quicken® and QuickBooks™
programs. I always have both of them open and am always going back and forth to
Mac where I have database and other info. Using the Coherence view is very nice
for this.” Bernie Nelson
“Excellent
program. It works great for my new 27-inch iMac® Retina® (with all the options
ticked), particularly using my MYOB Accountright business software, which is
really only designed for PCs. It’s so good to be able to use the full functions
of the latest, fabulous iMac Retina at the same time as using all the functions
of Windows 8.1 and our business software program. It took a little while to set
up the best resolution and a few other control panel features, but now it’s just
simple to use and couldn’t be better.” Gary Smith
“I develop
Microsoft® .Net and SQL Server® web apps using Visual Studio® 2013, but use Mac
computers for the hardware platform. Previously, I used Boot Camp® for two
years on my Mac mini®, but was “scared to death” I might lose everything if
there ever were a Mac hardware or Windows 7 hiccup requiring me to restore from
one of my Winclone 4 backup files. I decided to try Parallels 9 before giving
up on Boot Camp on a Mac and going back to a Windows PC. Right now, I am
running Windows 8.1 on top of Parallels 10 on an 8 GB RAM mid-2011 Mac mini. So
far, so good. Windows 8.1, Visual Studio 2013, SQL Server 2012, and all other
Windows-based dev utilities function flawlessly for me.” John L. Heck
“The
absolute best way to run Windows on a Mac. I am a professor of computer
technology and software development. I teach Windows 8.1 desktop and store
software development. I suggest to my students with a Mac to install Parallels
and then Windows 8.1. I have found Parallels to be superior to Fusion and light
years ahead of VirtualBox, all of which I have extensive and long-term
experience with. I am currently running the WAMP server on a Windows 8.1
Parallels VM so I can develop and test websites locally. I may try to create an
OS X® VM using Parallels. I am running Yosemite. I absolutely love the
integration with OS X. That alone is worth the price of admission. So easy to
move stuff back and forth and have full access to all drives. Nice job, guys!
You get an A+ from me.” Marc R. Levin, Professor