SWsoft Rebrands as Parallels

Virtualization software specialist SWsoft will change its name to Parallels, seeking to capitalize on the growing popularity of its desktop virtualization products. The company emphasized that it will continue to focus on the server virtualization market, but wanted to establish a unified brand and focus on "optimized computing."

SWsoft has been a major player in the hosting automation market with its Virtuozzo server virtualization product, which is widely used virtual private server (VPS) hosting accounts. The company also makes the Plesk control panel, which allows hosting customers to manage their sites with minimal tech support. But the renaming reflects the strength of its well-reviewed Parallels desktop products.

"This is the first in a series of moves that will help our customers and partners realize the benefits of what we are calling 'Optimized Computing'," said Serguei Beloussov, the CEO of SWsoft. "This means enhancing Windows, Linux, Mac, x86 and ia64-based bare metal systems with innovative hypervisor-based virtualization, container-based virtualization and a suite of complementary automation solutions. Truly optimized computing requires virtualization, system automation and business automation components - which our company is unique in providing."

SWsoft products will be renamed gradually to carry the Parallels brand, with Virtuozzo becoming Parallels Virtual Containers (see the full list for more product transitions). The company's web site will shift to parallels.com early in 2008.

SWSoft is a private company that has recevied funding from Bessemer Venture Partners, Insight Venture Partners and Intel Capital. The company's software powers more than 130,000 servers and 600,000 desktops worldwide.