# Parallels

> American software company

**Wikidata**: [Q195997](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q195997)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallels_(company))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/parallels

## Summary

Parallels was founded on January 1, 1999 as a privately held company by Serg Bell and Ilya Zubarew[1]. The organization operates in the software industry and information technology.It produces Parallels Desktop for Mac and software[2] and employs 900 people.

## Summary
Parallels is an American software company founded in 1999, specializing in virtualization and cross-platform solutions. It is best known for its flagship product, Parallels Desktop for Mac, which enables users to run Windows and other operating systems on Apple devices. The company was acquired by Alludo (formerly Corel) in 2018.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1999 by Serg Bell and Ilya Zubarew.
- Headquarters in Renton, Washington, U.S. (500 SW 39th Street, 98057).
- Owned by Alludo since December 20, 2018.
- Employs approximately 900 people.
- Key products: Parallels Desktop for Mac, virtualization software.
- Legal form: Privately held company.
- Industries: Software industry, information technology.
- Formerly known as SWsoft.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Parallels best known for?
A: Parallels is best known for its virtualization software, particularly Parallels Desktop for Mac, which allows users to run Windows and other operating systems on Apple devices.

### Q: Who owns Parallels?
A: Parallels has been owned by Alludo (formerly Corel) since its acquisition on December 20, 2018.

### Q: When was Parallels founded?
A: Parallels was founded in 1999 by Serg Bell and Ilya Zubarew.

## Why It Matters
Parallels plays a significant role in the software industry by bridging operating system divides, enabling users to run Windows applications on macOS and other platforms. Its virtualization technology addresses the needs of developers, businesses, and individuals requiring cross-platform compatibility. The acquisition by Alludo in 2018 further solidified its position in the broader software ecosystem. Parallels’ solutions simplify workflows for professionals who rely on multiple operating systems, fostering productivity and flexibility in computing environments.

## Notable For
- **Flagship Product**: Parallels Desktop for Mac, a leading virtualization tool for running Windows on Apple devices.
- **Cross-Platform Expertise**: Specializes in software that enables seamless interaction between different operating systems.
- **Acquisition by Alludo**: Acquired in 2018, integrating into a portfolio of productivity and graphics software brands.
- **Technical Innovation**: Holds PCI and USB vendor IDs (1AB8, 203A) for hardware-related software development.

## Body
### History
- Founded in 1999 by Russian-Singaporean entrepreneur Serg Bell and Ilya Zubarew.
- Initially operated under the name SWsoft before rebranding to Parallels.
- Acquired by Alludo (then Corel) on December 20, 2018, expanding its reach in the software industry.

### Products
- **Parallels Desktop for Mac**: Core product for running Windows on macOS.
- **Virtualization Software**: Solutions for server, desktop, and mobile device management.
- **Cross-Platform Tools**: Enables integration of Windows, macOS, and Linux environments.

### Technical Details
- **PCI Vendor ID**: 1AB8
- **USB Vendor ID**: 203A
- **Headquarters**: 500 SW 39th Street, Renton, WA 98057.

### Leadership
- **Founder**: Serg Bell, a physicist, computer scientist, and entrepreneur with Russian and Singaporean citizenship.
- **Co-Founder**: Ilya Zubarew, contributing to the company’s early development and growth.

### Corporate Structure
- **Legal Form**: Privately held company.
- **Employees**: Approximately 900 staff globally.
- **Industry Classifications**: Software industry, information technology.

## References

1. [Crunchbase](http://www.crunchbase.com/organization/parallels)
2. [Source](https://xakep.ru/2010/10/05/54791/)
3. [Source](https://www.crunchbase.com/acquisition/corel-acquires-parallels--1ac54380)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. National Software Reference Library
6. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)