Service providers that use Parallels virtualization and automation software now have access to more than 100 applications certified according to the Application Packaging Standard (APS). End-user customers will benefit from a greater variety of software-as- a-service (SaaS) solutions, which can be delivered by service providers with minimal cost and effort.

The APS standard is a packaging format that makes it easier for service providers to deliver hosted applications developed by independent software vendors (ISVs). APS-certified applications can be easily "plugged" into hosting platforms that conform to the standard. According to a recent survey of 400 service providers worldwide by Parallels, more than 70 percent plan to offer SaaS applications this year, nearly double the number that currently offer SaaS.

"With our Parallels Open Platform and the APS standard, we are providing a unified, open technology platform that is helping software vendors and service providers take advantage of SaaS to expand their businesses and grow revenues," said Serguei Beloussov, CEO of Parallels. "The certification of more than 100 applications to the APS standard is a significant milestone that shows momentum for the standard as well as SaaS."

Applications certified to the APS standard are available for download from the APS Application Catalogue at www.apsstandard.com/app. The catalogue lists a broad range of applications in categories including back office, collaboration, infrastructure, personal and web.

"Cohaesio partnered with Parallels to develop a fully-automated SaaS hosting platform. By implementing the APS standard, we have achieved a competitive advantage that enables us to deliver SaaS applications faster than ever before," said Frederik Schouboe, senior vice president of Cohaesio, a leading innovative hosting provider with operations in both Europe and the U.S. "The Parallels suite of automation and virtualization products has helped us move ahead of the competition."