Parallels Access for iPad to simplify legacy apps for iOS

Virtualisation software vendor Parallels has launched an iPad app that allows users to remotely access legacy PC/Mac programs on their tablet, whilst also giving them app-like functionality.

Parallels Access for iPad not only aims to make Windows and Mac programs usable on the iOS device, but also retains some of the best features of the tablet such as gesture control.

The app automatically creates iOS icons for desktop applications, allowing users to open them up like any other iPad app. There's a built-in app switcher, which allows users to move between open programs, and the keyboard includes desktop specific keys including Shift, Command, Ctrl and Function keys.

Birger Steen, CEO of Parallels, suggested many enterprise users are demanding access to legacy apps on the move.

"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," he said.

Parallels Access is available now from the Apple App Store. The app costs 54.99 annually for each computer that is virtualised.

The Mac edition is available immediately, and the PC version - although still in beta mode - is available at no charge at this time. Users will require an iPad 2 or above and a Mac running OS X 10.7 Lion or above. PC users will require Windows 7 or Windows 8.