Parallels enables hosting providers to offer hundreds of web applications, traditional applications, and multi-tenant applications. ISVs can provide applications which fit into any of the three implementation models describe below.

Multi-Instance (Configurable)

These applications run in a single operating environment without conflicting with each other. These are primarily web applications that are deployed in a shared hosting environment - usually in web directories running IIS or Apache. However, these applications can also be deployed along with other applications inside a virtual environment.

Parallels supports hosting providers by making these applications available in the Plesk or Parallels System Automation application vaults.

The OPEN FUSION initiative provides an application packaging standard (APS) so ISVs can efficiently deliver even more multi-instance applications to hosting providers. Click here for a listing of packaged APS applications.

Single Instance (Traditional)

Traditional applications are those which require an unique or isolated operating environment to function properly. As a result, many traditional applications are installed on a server that is dedicated to that single application.

Parallels provides virtualization software to reduce the cost of offering these applications. Virtualization divides a single server into multiple instances so many traditional applications can be deployed on a single server.

Examples: inventory management, accounting packages, legacy business applications, publishing software, CAD/CAM, etc.

Multi-Tenant (One Instance Serves All)

Multi-tenant applications provide their own elements of isolation so that multiple customers can use the same core system. In most cases multi-tenant applications create a configuration file for each customer and links the customer to compartmentalized storage and database resources.

Examples: Hosted Exchange, Hosted SharePoint, Web Conferencing Services, Salesforce.com and other CRM tools