SWsoft is changing its name to Parallels and seeking to pursue opportunities in datacentre automation.

The SWsoft name is best known for the Virtuozzo server virtualisation software that is highly popular in hosting operations, but its subsidiary Parallels is perhaps even better known for its desktop virtualisation software that lets Mac users run Windows or other x86 operating systems.

However, SWsoft chief executive Serguei Beloussov said that the rebranding exercise, due to take effect early next year, was not aimed at capitalising on the popularity of the desktop program. “'Parallels' is easy to say in many languages and it’s easy to pronounce,” he said, adding that the newly named company will split its development across virtualisation and datacentre automation capabilities.

The company is calling the strategy “optimised computing” and the plan will be backed by a stream of releases in 2008 including Virtuozzo 4.0, a server hypervisor program, and updates to Parallels Desktop and Parallels Workstation.

SWsoft posted the first release candidate of Virtuozzo 4.0 on Monday. The upgrade includes redesigned management and backup tools as well as extended support for Red Hat Linux and Windows clustering.