Parallels Access Turns iPad into a PC or Mac

Time magazine’s Techland site reports that hosting and cloud services provider Parallels has launched a new iPad app/service called Access. According to Parallels, Access applifies Windows and Mac applications, thereby allowing you to use Windows and OS X programs on your iPad. In essence, it lets users remotely access and experience these apps as if they were tailored for iPad.

 In fact, by being able to run Microsoft (News - Alert) Office and other Windows-only programs that users cannot get on an iPad or Mac, Parallels Access is turning an iPad into a productivity tool. Thus, allowing users to tap the benefits of a tablet in applications not optimized for iPad. In essence, it is empowering iPad users to get more done easily on the road.

Analysts say that businesses are supplementing their desktop computers with at least one mobile device. Parallels Access supports this trend by enabling users to seamlessly access computers and desktop applications from anywhere. Also, the product description indicates that users can do more than simply accessing their professional business applications. They can access their games and entertainment apps, including streaming video, from their Macs or PCs directly on their iPads.

With the rapid adoption of iPad devices, both by business users and consumers, the market watcher Information Technology Intelligence Consulting believes that potential for Parallels Access is huge. “It’s going to disrupt the market, not the user," said Laura DiDio, principal at Information Technology Intelligence Consulting.

Commenting on this development, Parallels CEO Birger Steen stated, “With Parallels Access, you can tap, swipe and pinch your way around Mac and Windows applications to ultimately be more productive at work, and lead a more connected life."

Key features and capabilities of Parallels Access include App Launcher, App Switcher, iPad native select and drag, iPad native copy and paste, SmartTap and magnifying glass, iPad native scroll for desktop applications, Desktop keyboard on iPad, Full screen for desktop applications, and Unmatched access.

While App Launcher starts any desktop application, Windows or Mac, on an iPad, App Switcher helps the user to switch between desktop applications with ease. 

Since Parallels is offering Access as a service, and not an application, it is priced at $79.99 a year for each computer you want to access from your iPad. However, the Windows version is debuting as a free beta, and the OS X version offers a 14-day free trial.