VMware Fusion now supports Parallels desktop

VMware has announced Fusion 2.0.2, an update to its virtualisation software for Mac OS X.

VMware Fusion, offered as a free update for registered users, enables Intel-based Macs to run other operating systems and their application software as "virtual machines," rather than having to reboot, as you do with Boot Camp. This way you can run Mac OS X and Mac apps alongside Windows, Linux and other operating systems that work on Intel hardware. It also operates on Apple's Xserve systems as an enterprise server virtualisation product.

The new 2.0.2 update features the ability to import virtual machines created using a competitive product - Parallels Desktop 4. The update supports Parallels Server as well.

Also new is the ability to mount a .DMG (disk image) from a virtual machine, as Leopard Server can also be virtualised. An issue with running Mac OS X 10.5.6-based virtual machines has been fixed, and problems associated with installing the Leopard Server virtual machine on new MacBooks, MacBook Pros and MacBook Air have also been fixed.

Fusion 2.0.2 improves performance when you browse a Windows shared folder or mirrored folder, and support has been added for Ubuntu's 8.10 "Intrepid Ibex" build.