Parallels has made a bold step into the AI development space with the launch of Parallels Desktop 20. This new version brings powerful AI capabilities, making AI application development faster and more accessible across various operating systems, including macOS, Windows, and Linux. Aimed at developers and IT professionals, the platform is equipped with AI-ready virtual machines and enhanced tools, positioning it as a key player in the virtualization software market.
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AI Virtual Machines and Developer Tools
One of the standout features of Parallels Desktop 20 is the inclusion of secure, downloadable virtual machines pre-loaded with 14 AI development tools. These virtual machines are designed to simplify AI application development, providing everything from sample code to instructions, all within an isolated environment. Users can run small language models inside these virtual machines, customize resource allocation, and disable network access for increased security.
The AI Package is particularly beneficial for developers, allowing for the creation of AI-enabled applications without the need for extensive setup. By bundling these tools, Parallels helps streamline the development process and reduce the time it takes to get AI applications up and running.
Performance Improvements and Compatibility
Parallels Desktop 20 comes with a range of performance upgrades that benefit developers and general users alike. The most notable improvement is an 80% performance boost for certain workloads on Windows 11 Arm devices, thanks to advancements in the Prism emulator. This makes it an attractive choice for developers working with both Apple and Microsoft platforms.
The software is also fully compatible with macOS Sequoia, ensuring that users can seamlessly switch between macOS and Windows environments. In addition, the shared folder technology has been updated to improve the performance of applications like Mathematica and NinjaTrader, with some Mac files on Linux VMs running up to four times faster.
Enterprise Solutions and Security
For businesses, Parallels offers an Enterprise Edition that includes a new Management Portal for monitoring and managing virtual machines, as well as advanced security features. Enhanced licensing options, such as Single Sign-On (SSO) support and volume licensing, make it easier for organizations to scale their virtual environments.
Security is a top priority in this release. Parallels Desktop 20 has achieved SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, a critical standard for ensuring secure operations. The software undergoes regular third-party penetration testing, ensuring that it remains resilient to cyber threats. These measures are especially important for IT teams tasked with managing virtualized environments across different platforms.
Enhanced Developer Tools and Integrations
Parallels Desktop 20 isn’t just about performance—it also introduces new integrations for developers. The Visual Studio Code Extension now works with Microsoft Copilot, allowing developers to control virtual machines through natural language commands. This feature helps streamline workflows and enables developers to focus more on coding and less on system management.
Other developer-focused upgrades include enhanced DevOps services and upgraded Snapshots and OCR-powered Packer for macOS virtual machines. These updates make it easier for developers to build, test, and deploy software across various environments.
Future of AI on Desktops
Parallels sees the growing importance of AI on desktop computers as a driving force for future development. The company’s CTO, Prashant Ketkar, notes that AI will soon become a standard feature on desktops, challenging developers to fully utilize AI capabilities. With the new AI Package, Parallels aims to equip development teams with the necessary tools to create AI-enabled applications quickly, boosting productivity for teams using Mac systems.
All in all, Parallels Desktop 20 is a significant update that addresses the needs of developers, IT professionals, and enterprises. With its new AI tools, performance enhancements, and security features, it provides a comprehensive solution for managing virtual machines across multiple platforms. Whether you are developing AI applications or managing a large-scale virtual environment, Parallels Desktop 20 offers a robust platform that adapts to the needs of a rapidly changing tech landscape.
