As first noted last week, VMWare has released Fusion, its virtualization software for the Macintosh. The software costs $79.99, and is available for online purchase and download. You can download a 30-day evaluation license from VMWare"s Web site. Fusion is VMWare"s first virtualization software for the Macintosh, and it enables Intel-based Macs to run Windows and other x86-based operating systems without having to be rebooted first.
Fusion is not the first virtualization software to come to the Macintosh, however: Parallels has already carved out the niche for virtualization on the Mac with its Parallels Desktop for Mac software, and Codeweavers" CrossOver software enables some Windows applications to run without having Windows installed at all. VMWare senior product manager for Mac products Pat Lee believes that VMWare will be able to capitalize on strengths in Fusion not offered by Parallels Desktop.