General23.08.2012

VMware Announces VMware Fusion 5

By weich

Optimised for the latest technologies found in OS X Mountain Lion, Windows 8 and the latest Macs, VMware Fusion 5 returns with more than 70 new features for a Windows on Mac experience never seen before

VMware, Inc. (NYSE: VMW), the global leader in virtualization and cloud infrastructure, today announced VMware Fusion 5 with 70 new features that deliver an unparalleled Windows on Mac experience. In addition, VMware is introducing VMware Fusion 5 Professional with new capabilities designed to dramatically improve the way businesses deliver applications to users on Macs and PCs.

“While the number of users adopting Macs continue to rise, the business environment is still dominated by Windows,” said Jansen van Rensburg, systems engineering manager, Southern Africa, VMware. “VMware Fusion 5 and Fusion 5 Professional build upon our award-winning platform, adding new capabilitiesthat are in demand among both individual and professional users. Leveraging our experience with consumer and enterprise end-users, we believe this new version of the product is the best solution on the market for users who want to run Windows on Mac simultaneously.”

VMware Fusion 5

The VMware Fusion 5 product family offers the easiest, fastest and most reliable way to run Windows on a Mac for individual or business use. VMware Fusion 5 has been revamped to take advantage of new technologies only available in Mountain Lion, Windows 8 and the latest Macs to deliver a Windows on Mac experience never seen before. New features include:

Designed for Mountain Lion – Run Windows on Mountain Lion and search Windows programs inLaunchpad, use “AirPlay Mirroring” to stream Mac and Windows applications on an HDTV and get VMware Fusion notifications in Mountain Lion’s notification center.
Windows 8 Optimisation – VMware Fusion 5 supports Windows 8 standard, pro and enterprise editions so consumers can optimise the new Windows 8 “Metro” environment directly on a Mac.
Enhanced Mac Support – Support for the latest Mac technologies include compatibility with Mountain Lion, retina display optimisation, USB 3 connectivity, and improved support for large memory Macs.
Next Generation Performance – Performance enhancements include up to 40% faster general performance speeds compared to the previous version of the product, improved power management for longer battery life and faster 3D graphics.
Additional Functionalities – New, powerful ways to experience Windows on a Mac are available through an updated virtual machine library that enables seamless transitions between multiple operating systems, one click snapshots with improved graphical appearance, a brand new graphics driver for Linux 3D desktops, and a new embedded learning center for immediate support.

VMware Fusion 5 Professional

VMware Fusion 5 Professional includes all the features of Fusion 5 plus new capabilities that will improve the way professionals deliver business applications to Mac users. Key benefits include:

Open the Doors to Macs – Whether business applications run on Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8 or one of more than 200 other operatingsystems, VMware Fusion 5 is designed to ensure maximum compatibility with the applications users need.
Create Restricted Virtual Machines – Create an encrypted corporate image that meets the needs of employees and enables productivity from their firstpower-on. To avoid tampering of the corporate image, restrictions can prevent users from changing virtual machine settings or attaching USB devices to Windows.
Easy Deployment AcrossMultiple Platforms – VMware Fusion 5 Professional includes a commercial license of VMware Player™ 5 to deploy and run restricted virtual machines on Macs, Windows and Linux systems. So regardless of the underlying platform, VMware Fusion 5 Professional gives users the business applications they need.
Reduce Support Costs – Reduce support costs by directing end-users to customised Web resources directly from VMware Fusion 5 Professional’s Help menu.
Easy Management – VMware Fusion 5 Professional is a full perpetual license whichactivates both VMware Fusion 5 Professional and VMware Player 5.

Availability and Pricing
VMware Fusion® 5 and VMware Fusion 5 Professional are available immediately for download and purchase from vmware.com for $49.99 and $99.99 respectively. Customers who have purchased VMware Fusion 4 on or after July 25, 2012 are eligible for an electronic upgrade to VMware Fusion 5 at no additional cost. Learn more about the VMware Fusion electronic upgrade program here. Volume pricing for corporate users is available from select resellers and the VMware Store.

VMware Fusion 3 and 4 customers as well as Parallels Desktop customers can upgrade to VMware Fusion 5 Professional for only $49.99 here.

VMware Fusion is available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Simplified Chinese and Japanese.

Additional Resources