Parallels, developers of industry-leading virtualization solutions for Apple, Windows, and Linux users, has signed an agreement with Tech Data Corporation to extend access of Parallels portfolio of virtualization solutions and management tools to the Education, Government, Fortune 500, and small to midsize businesses (SMBs). Parallels will leverage Tech Data's extensive logistics expertise, innovative marketing resources and broad customer base to drive sales of Parallels Desktop for Mac, Parallels Workstation for Windows and Linux, Parallels Compressor, and upcoming Parallels Server for Windows, Linux and Mac.

To ensure a successful collaboration on support for new resellers, Parallels has established a dedicated channel partner management team, and Tech Data has assigned staff and marketing resources to focus entirely on Parallels portfolio of products.

"From day one, weve understood that one of the critical components for Parallels success in the Education, Government and Commercial markets is allying ourselves with the right channel partners, said Bill Portin, Director of Sales, Parallels. "By joining forces with Tech Data, Parallels gains a powerful strategic partner with a proven history of helping vendors successfully engage resellers of all sizes. Were looking forward to working with the Tech Data team to reach a diverse group of solution providers and broaden our presence in the worldwide virtualization market."

Virtualization is a growing trend, enabling businesses of all sizes to more efficiently utilize their existing IT infrastructure by running Mac, Windows and Linux operating systems on the same desktop, said Stacy Nethercoat, vice president, Software Product Marketing. Parallels is currently the only software publisher that enables Intel-based Macs to run non-Mac operating systems. This agreement helps resellers capitalize on both the rising adoption of virtualization solutions and the popularity of Intel-based Macs.