Brief: Parallels Delivers Virtual Appliances

Desktop virtualization software maker Parallels unveiled a new site last week that will give subscribers access to an online network designed to deliver open-source software to users and developers as preconfigured software modules, also known as virtual appliances.

The new Parallels Technology Network (PTN) will carry the virtual appliances (VAs), which are typically Linux-based software that handle specific operations, such as facilitating productivity functions like word processing, spreadsheet and slide-ware applications. The company also will let third-party developers use the PTN to deliver their own software to other users and developers as virtual appliances. The result is a hybrid community forum-research lab that developers and users can tap to access more cost-effective software, Parallels said.

Parallels also said all computer users and software developers can access the PTN for no charge. The company is providing a number of levels of access, ranging from the public level, which lets subscribers participate in forum discussions and submit software to Parallels Lab for testing, to the Technology Partner level, which involves a close working relationship with Parallels in marketing, business and product development. Subscribers can access the PTN at http://ptn.parallels.com.