VMware Fusion 1.1, beta converter released

VMware on Monday announced VMware Fusion 1.1, a new update to its desktop virtualization software for Intel-based Macs as a well as new utility to automatically convert virtual machines created by third-party applications such as Parallels Desktop. VMware Fusion allows Mac users to simultaneously and seamlessly run Mac OS X, Windows and other PC-based applications on the same Mac. The free update -- immediately available for all VMware Fusion 1.0 customers -- includes over 25 enhancements and improvements, including, support for Mac OS X Leopard, improved 3D graphics with experimental support for DirectX 9.0, improvements to VMware Fusion's Unity feature, and support for Microsoft Vista Boot Camp partitions as virtual machines.

The company also said that the update brings support for French, German, and Japanese-speaking customers as well as overall performance improvements.

"We have been extremely pleased with the success of VMware Fusion," said Dan Chu, vice president of emerging products and markets at VMware. "Mac customers have really embraced VMware Fusion for the intuitive user interface and stable, high-performance experience it delivers. We expect our customers will be equally thrilled with the improvements found in today's update."

In addition, VMware introduced VMware Importer for VMware Fusion. Currently in beta, VMware Importer allows VMware Fusion customers to easily and quickly import virtual machines created by third-party Mac virtualization software. VMware Importer, a Mac utility, automatically imports existing Parallels Desktop 2.5 and 3.0 virtual machines (Windows 2000 or later) for use with VMware Fusio; it requires that VMware Fusion is installed on the Mac used to import the virtual machines.

"Many of our VMware Fusion customers have asked for help using virtual machines created with third party software," continued Chu. "With VMware Importer, customers that have other, third-party Mac virtualization products can easily and seamlessly migrate existing virtual machines over to VMware Fusion to take advantage of our intuitive user interface and stable, advanced, high performance virtualization platform."

VMware Fusion 1.1 is available at no cost to existing VMware Fusion 1.0 customers as is VMware Importer beta. VMware Fusion 1.1 is available online in English, Japanese, German and French. The company said that localized versions of the software are expected to be available soon in leading online and retail outlets in France, Germany and Japan. A special $20 rebate to owners of other virtualization products until the end of the year.

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