Parallels seeks channel conversion
Virtualisation vendor and C2000 seek VARs to ease users' PC-to-Mac conversion woes
Bamforth: Converting from PC to Mac can be quite complex
Virtualisation specialist Parallels is hoping to broaden its partner network with a recruitment drive aimed at Mac and PC specialist resellers.
The vendor will work with recent distribution signing Computer 2000 (C2000) to recruit 50 to 100 UK partners over the next six months to drive sales of Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac offering.
The product lets Apple users run Windows applications. The vendor said it is looking for partners with a background in either technology to capitalise on the growing numbers of people swapping PCs for Macs.
Stefan Hoelzl, managing director of Parallels EMEA, said: “More and more traditional PC users are moving over to Mac technology, and Desktop 5 for Mac can help to ease these switchers through that transition.”
C2000’s understanding of both the Mac and PC market made it the perfect choice of partner with which to embark on this recruitment drive, added Hoelzl.
“It would be difficult for any vendor to bring these two worlds together,” he explai-
ned. “But C2000 has experience in both and that will help us bridge the divide.”
James Reed, general manager of software at C2000, said: “With the popularity of the Mac growing, there is an increasing need and desire to run Windows applications on the Mac, so we see great opportunities here.”
Rob Bamforth, principal analyst at market watcher Quocirca, said the product could boost the number of converts in the future, especially those put off by the user experience offered by Mac versions of original PC applications.
“The move over can be quite complex, with some users encountering technical and compatability problems,” he added. “Growing a channel that can help end users work through these issues is a good idea.”