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September 01, 2020
In our marine operation department, new applications require that we control all inventory in the company fleet. This application is not web-based. To run this application we should have access to the server remotely; without this application, we mistakenly buy materials twice or even more. To solve this we needed something to control this. The problem is that communication between ships and head office is very costly and slow.
- Easy
- Price
- Support
- RAS from Microsoft should be included
To install Parallels Remote Application Server in our host server was simple. To install it in company ships was even easier--anyone can do it. The best part for me is that they can keep shortcut icons of the application directly on the user's Windows desktop.
August 24, 2020
Parallels RAS is used by various clients whom we are dealing with right now and we highly recommend it when customers are looking for solutions for publishing their applications and remote access. Due to the current epidemic situation we highly recommend Parallels RAS which is a robust and versatile proven solution to provide un-interrupted local experience with published applications and remote access.
- Easy server setup and configuration.
- You can use Parallels on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android.
- User experience is great, from image quality to input response.
- Printer configuration done easily using Universal Printing.
- Some improvement can be done managing open sessions.
- Effectively configure idle disconnection times.
- Ability to add applications from shared resources.
While both have their pros and cons, they each hold a specific purpose. Businesses need to decide which solution is the right one for their virtualization requirements, taking into consideration their current and future needs. Parallels Remote Application Server allows businesses to deploy both technologies RDS and VDI without additional costs, which saves IT administrators from making a difficult choice at the very start of their migration project.
Parallels RAS is used by all organizations. RAS has solved the deployment of client applications on local and remote end-users PCs and reduced the support requests on the IT department.
- Easy to deploy and manage.
- Simple licensing model.
- MSP cloud console to manage multi tenants.
- Partner with Google Cloud platform.
We don't use VDI, only application virtualization.
- Online training
April 01, 2020
We come from using XenApp Citrix for more than 13 years, then I started testing Parallels RAS to see if we could seamlessly migrate the app delivery service from one product to another with minimum effort and impact on end users. All our tests were successful from Parallels farm setup, published resources, servers configurations to user experience.
- Easy server setup and configuration.
- You can use Parallels on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android.
- User experience is great, from image quality to input response.
- Printer configuration done easily using Universal Printing.
- Some improvement can be done managing open sessions.
- Effectively configure idle disconnection times.
- Ability to add applications from shared resources.
- Current and historic RAS license usage.
We are now able to deliver virtual desktops to our users in a really easy way thanks to Nutanix AHV integration to our RAS farm, it has the ability to get the virtual desktops ready for our users and turn it off on demand. We really loved this option because we did not needed to pay more for VDI or PCs publishing.
March 11, 2020
Student Health and Counseling Services, a department of Student Affairs at UC Davis, uses Parallels RAS to deliver a wide range of windows applications both to remote users and local users on other platforms. This software seamlessly allows us to provide applications to macOS, iOS, Android, and Windows users with native clients that add functionality.
- Keyboard input detection is vital on iOS, where users are used to keyboard input bringing the keyboard up automatically.
- Management of the RAS setup is extremely intuitive and works well.
- Permission controls in the system are dynamic allowing several different policies to be applied depending on physical location, group membership, etc.
- Remote install is one of the coolest features, but sometimes doesn't play well with domain policies such as recommended CIS Baselines in different VLAN zones.
- Would be nice if seamless apps showed up as dock icons in macOS the way Parallels for Desktop does.
The software is very simple to use, but that doesn't mean it's basic. You can design a segmented remote access farm with high availability load balancing, or just install on a single server. The user management, policy management, permissions, and application/host management is very intuitive. Farm updates are often easy to push out.
February 11, 2020
We use Parallels Remote Application Server to replace Citrix Servers and deliver a simple yet powerful tool to our end users for running published applications and accessing network resources from either mobile platforms or from other locations that are offsite. We found it simpler to get up and running and much less expensive than Citrix.
- Printing from published applications.
- Easy to set up and keep running.
- We would like to be able to do what we do with Citrix published ICA files—essentially free-standing configurations that once ran function like a local application while they log in (in the background).
It is definitely a good way to provide virtual and remote desktop access for specific users. VPNs are ok, but there are times when applications need the speed of a local area connection to function well, and Parallels certainly does allow the illusion of a local application that runs at network speeds since it is actually happening on the server. The central console is simple to understand and it's easy to add/remove users to available applications and resources.
April 04, 2020
Our organization uses Parallels Remote Application Server across our whole organization. Instead of installing certain programs on each person's computer, we direct our employees to a website where they can just log in and all their business applications are right there. This simplifies things. For one, our I.T. Dept doesn't have to ensure our programs are installed on each person's computer. Furthermore, they don't have to worry each application has the latest updates. Security is greatly enhanced. The greatest business problem it addresses is that it allows us to control our employee experience from a single place reducing time, effort and expense.
- Easy for end users to use.
- Will eliminate the need for more I.T. employees.
- Support is great.
- I have noticed that for no apparent reason some employees notice some slowness when using Remote Apps.
- Installing the server can be difficult.
- Although support is great in the sense that you always get someone that knows their product well, sometimes you must wait hours to hear something back.
Setting things up can be difficult and time-intensive but well worth the effort because there's next to nothing that the end-user has to do and they just have a simple but effective method of accessing their apps that just plain works. There's little to no set up for the end-user. Tons of set up for your I.T. Dept, however, so keep that in mind.
April 03, 2020
Parallels is being used by doctors to work remotely using our local systems and servers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are also using Parallels RAS during our telehealth appointments as a tool for telemedicine. Parallels is mainly used to give doctors remote access to read echos and dictate using a mic and Dragon server.
- Parallels allows us to save on application software licensing costs.
- RAS enables our doctors to access most local applications remotely.
- Parallels is easy to use and most people pick up on its' value quickly.
- When using Parallels to view DICOM images using RadiAnt. Our doctors do not get as clear of an image using RAS as they do from their local desktops.
- Even after increasing bandwidth at both our office and home, images do not stream as clear as if you have the actual application installed on your desktop or laptop.
- As a medical facility, it would be nice to have a direct contact for support questions.
Most organizations are spread thin on resources and time available to train, so anytime you make a product easier to pickup and use is much appreciated by IT and the company as a whole. The RAS system makes it really easy to add new users and profiles, but continuing to increase usability will benefit current and future Parallels RAS users and administrators.
March 31, 2020
We spent 10 years using publishing desktops on the virtualized Citrix XenApp environment. Times changed and a lot of our stuff became web-based. We moved our offices to Mac OSX desktops and needed to stream a couple of legacy windows only applications. I found the Parallels Remote Application Server a lot simpler to setup. No longer needing domain controllers and levels of servers, I was able to get Parallels set up on a single Azure server to stream the applications straight to the Mac desktops.
- Simple infrastructure.
- Easy to use interface.
- Good way to deliver Windows app's to Mac desktops.
- 15 user minimum license is a pain but still good value.
- Support is decent enough for my small deployment but I wonder what it would be like in a complicated environment.
I was apprehensive using a smaller known product in the industry thinking there wouldn't be much support, but to be honest, I barely needed any training or support. You can load up AWS or Azure images all ready configured in minutes!
We deployed Parallels to replace VPN access for our entire organization. Employees are able to access network applications and resources by simply going to our Parallels web portal or using the Parallels client. We protect access with two factor authentication via phone push. Some of the main goals were to provide a simpler experience but also more secure. Employees can now use their own devices when needed.
When COVID-19 sent employees home, we were fortunate to have had Parallels already in production. We transitioned to a remote work environment and it was a totally smooth transition.
When COVID-19 sent employees home, we were fortunate to have had Parallels already in production. We transitioned to a remote work environment and it was a totally smooth transition.
- Ease of access for users.
- Multiple security options.
- Affordable.
- Easy to design and deploy.
- More options for identity management support (Okta, etc).
We benefited greatly. We have been able to do everything from publish network drives to employees for access remotely to also publishing desktops and providing access to peoples' office computers.
March 25, 2020
We provide our own BMD Software to our customers with Parallels Remote Application Server.
With BMD Cloud Services our goal is to offer more flexibility and mobility using BMD software. BMD offers the possibility to access the entire software package via the Internet directly on a server, secured and maintained by our BMD tech department.
Enable clients to do bookkeeping on your tax office’s IT infrastructure. The need not to exchange data constantly with clients leads to higher customer loyalty and up-to-date data.
With Parallels it is very easy for our costumers to connect to our cloud system.
- Very good load balancing between session host servers.
- Universal printing works great.
- Client for Windows, Mac and mobile devices.
- Every major upgrade is not so easy to install.
- Like every other software - wait and don't use the first build of an upgrade.
We provide a download link to the client with a configuration file - that's it. Most of the costumers can access our cloud platform after some minutes.
March 24, 2020
We provide application access over the HTML5 client for users at remote sites, home, etc. We specifically publish the Microsoft Office Suite, Information Technology Administration and Management Tools, and several legacy applications that would otherwise only be available on the corporate LAN or would have significant performance issues over traditional VPN technologies.
- HTML5 access to traditional non-web enabled software
- Management of security and access rights to the above software
- Easy redundancy and clustering
- The client software is a bit finicky.
Our use of Parallels Remote Application Server is directly related to the delivery of virtual desktops and applications. In reviewing the options of an SSL VPN solution, IPSec VPN solution, and Citrix solution, Parallels was chosen for its ease of deployment, speed of implementation, lower upfront cost, lower maintenance costs, and ease of use for both IT and end-users. The end-user gets their apps in a simple website, while IT gets an easy to manage, secure, and monitor tool for providing access.
March 22, 2020
We started using Parallels RAS first in our company because we were dissatisfied with our Citrix installations in ours and customers' sites. We were looking for a stable remote desktop environment that was easy to manage, good value for the money, and had a pay-per-use license model for managed service providers to expand our AaaS / IaaS offering. (It is not only since COVID-19 that we know that switching to Parallels RAS was the right decision for us and for our customers.)
- Central administration for all remote desktop services (RDS, VDI, RemotePC)
- Compatibility with most 2FA solutions
- Out-of-the-box free-of-charge high-availability and load-balancing virtual appliances
- Support of nearly all client OS and devices
- HTML5 browser-based interface for clientless access where needed
- Working with local and published applications at the same time can result in window fades.
- The look and feel of the client Interface is not modern, but functional.
Our customers benefit enormously from the simple and fast provision through cost savings in the implementation and maintenance without having to forego features.
March 17, 2020
We have 10 to 15 remote offices for sales staff and construction staff. We predominantly use Claris Filemaker and Microsoft Outlook at the remote offices. Filemaker is making moves to the cloud but our layouts pull so much data that they require an ethernet connection. We need to use a terminal server until we redesign our Filemaker database to be more efficient. Filemaker uses Outlook to send information from the database to potential clients and to trade partners. We need to use a terminal server to allow the two applications to talk to each other.
- Every type of client one could ask for.
- Strong Mac client (the reason we started using it).
- Easy setup and maintenance of settings.
- Great printing support.
- More flexible client when multiple users need to log into the same workstation.
- Some issues with accessing local drives in unique situations.
We manage much of our IT ourselves. Simplicity was one of the main reasons we chose Parallels.
March 14, 2020
We use Parallels RAS for application and desktop virtualization. Connection through a heavy client and an HTML client allows us to serve specific user profiles personalizing user experience and accessibility. The RAS GW feature allows us to cope with IT security issues concerning applications confined in special virtual networks, while the VDI feature allows us to prepare desktops on the shelf for developers.
- HTML 5 client
- VDI on the shelf
- Load balancing
- Heavy client: limit usage of special ports that might be blocked by corporate network policies.
- RAS: limit usage of special ports that might be blocked by corporate network policies.
- VDI creation from templates: performances.
Yes, we definitely use this feature.
March 09, 2020
We are using Parallels RAS organisation-wide; connecting users in different ways. It's ability to delivery applications and desktop services means that it's not just a single solution, even though it's just one product. Whether it's our accounts department using it to run their on-premises accounting software in a remote desktop environment or publishing individual applications and web-links for our engineers to access on non-PC devices like tablets, it now forms a single hub for many of our needs at a really affordable cost.
- Support for multiple application types (web, local, desktop, files).
- Security - Delivering everything via a single secure gateway.
- Integrates incredibly well into existing infrastructure.
- Delivers a similar experience across multiple client types (PC's, Mac's, Tablets, Browsers).
- Setting up MFA/2FA can be a little complex - I'd like to see a "security first" approach with guided setup at the time of deployment.
Deployment is one of the easiest things with Parallels RAS, and that applies to both adding it to existing infrastructure or deploying in a green-field approach for a new solution. Whether you split the RAS roles across just a few servers or many, centralized management from a single console makes it so easy - all components are pushed out and managed from the console from a single, quick installation.
And once it's installed, it's just as easy to manage, publish apps, monitor and update all from that same location.
And once it's installed, it's just as easy to manage, publish apps, monitor and update all from that same location.
March 07, 2020
- We are a mostly Mac (95%) based educational organization, which generally works very well for us. Unfortunately, there are a few areas such as finance where Windows-only applications are required. We use Parallels Remote Application Server to publish these applications needed for use by our users.
- This includes:
- A core piece of financial software, which was initially terminal access, then switched to an Internet Explorer only Active-X based solution. We were able to transition our users to an application published by Parallels Server.
- Our library management software is also PC only. Initially, we deployed standalone Windows machines to run this software, but as they aged out, we migrated them to the Parallels client running the library application. As a positive side effect, the fact that the app was running on a server in the data center right next to the core database server made the app faster for our users.
- Our psychology team has also dealt with several very custom pieces of software for diagnosing students that were PC only. Once again, we were able to use Parallels Remote Application Server to allow them to run on their Macs.
- There have been some other pieces of software over the years that we also ran via Parallels, which have, thankfully, either started providing a Mac version or migrated to a standards-compliant web application.
- We have been delighted with Parallels Remote Application Server as a solution to help us deal with this kind of issue. It has allowed us to provide critical applications as needed without fundamentally having to change our deployments.
- Allows us to run Windows-only applications on our Macs
- The administrative console is easy to use and understand
- Ability to map local folders and printers to the remote server for use
- On the client-side, it can be challenging to get users to understand what's happening - that they're running their apps on another computer and need to log off when they're done.
- There is a nice feature to map your Mac printers to the Windows environment - but in successive versions of macOS and Parallels Remote Application Server the features seem to alternate between functional and not; we ended up installing all the printers on the server for users.
- Setup was generally quite simple - the exception being the Microsoft Remote Desktop licensing, but that's on Microsoft rather than Parallels Remote Application Server, and I'm sure they'd simplify that if it was possible. Day to day usage of the Parallels software is quite straightforward and simple.
- For users, it's also generally reasonably simple, with a few exceptions.
- - A lot of our users struggle to understand that they're running the app on a remote server, so forget to log out when they are done.
- - Configurations for shared local resources like printers and folders from the user's Mac are simple for technical people, but challenging for general users to understand.
March 07, 2020
The whole organization uses Parallels Remote Application Server to replace normal terminal server access methods requiring a VPN or publishing through the web.
- Ease of publishing remote desktop service to PC / Mac / iPad
- Granular management of user/group permissions to resources
- Flexible publishing options - RDS farm, individual computers, etc
- Documentation is overly long - could easily be streamlined
- Better example of securing deployments against vulnerabilities
While we haven't explored the VDI aspect yet, simply focusing on RDS and application publishing has been fantastic. Take an application like QuickBooks where end users are on a Mac - traditionally, they had to VPN and Remote Desktop to a server to access QuickBooks. Now, with the Parallels Remote Application Server client installed on a Mac, they can have a QuickBooks icon published to their Mac for single-click access straight to the remote application for a very seamless experience. The addition of having a printer and drive mappings and the flexibility of also exposing the full RDS interface if needed on a user by user basis is incredible. Simply put, we're fans!
March 07, 2020
- We use Parallels Remote Application Server to deliver Windows Applications from a cloud-hosted environment to end-user desktops via HTTPS.
- This solution removes physical hardware from the end-user premises; this gives our clients peace of mind that they don’t have to spend thousands on initial setup, rather a monthly cost to cloud providers.
- Delivery of Applications
- Easy setup
- Support
- Something built for smaller clients
- LetsEncrypt integration
- Option for 1-15 clients
- Absolutely, everything under one console is magic; all configuration is done from there.
- We have only done Remote Desktop Services setups for our clients, VDI is not something our clients require.
We use Parallels Remote Server to deliver applications to users where the application doesn't work well remotely or between sites. It is being used by several departments, remote users, and remote sites.
- Ease of use
- Delivers applications as though they were installed on the local computer
Yes, it makes the delivery of applications installed on the RDS very easy to roll out to end-users. It is easy for the end-users to use as well.
February 26, 2020
We have our software on a server and allow customers to connect via Parallels to access it remotely. This allows for an in house hosted solution across a variety of operating systems and hardware and cuts down the costs of our customers for local support and implementation and also facilitates software upgrades and updates.
- Allows publication of only the apps/folders you want customers to access.
- Very easy to set-up and maintain.
- Works well with Active Directory for security and access.
- Trying to add an additional RAS server pops up error message after error message while the current one is in use, from deployed machines seeing different active RAS servers. Deployment could really use some work to prevent this. We have to shut down the primary RAS and then disable it before another RAS can be put into place.
We are able to offer a hosted solution for our software because Parallels RAS allows us to grant users access to our software in a controlled environment where they can be productive without having to worry about the normal maintenance involved with a localized installation. We have other clients using Citrix Netscaler and it's much more complicated and resource-intensive in comparison. RAS is far more advanced to the point that the NetScaler seems archaic by comparison.
February 26, 2020
Parallels RAS is being used for the deployment and access to our district's ERP system. In addition, we are publishing software for our School Psychologists requiring hardware dongles to non-compatible machines, and various home-grown solutions. Clients are using a mix of Mac & Windows devices, with speed that was not possible before when running fat clients on the machines.
- Administration.
- Remote Access.
- Connection errors when clients switch network connections.
The ability to deploy applications to our expanded macOS fleet has been a game-changer for a lot of our staff.
February 14, 2020
We use Parallels Remote Application Server for a select few employees. We began by using it to replace Citrix for the cost. We leveraged it to provide windows only applications to our macintosh fleet as well as our offsite employees.
- Ease of application publishing.
- Ease of desktop publishing.
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We benefited from this simplicity as we are a small IT shop, so the ability to deploy RAS as well as applications was a big win. Ease of use for the end-user was also a big win.
February 14, 2020
Our office environment is based on Dell Wyse thinclients which and laptops for remote users. With Parallels Remote Application Server, we have 24x7 secure access to our RDS environment which we use for managing and supporting our customers.
We also advise and implement at our customers for facilitating remote works in their IT environments.
And last but not least, we deliver a Managed Hosted Desktop service 'BusinessDesktop' from our data-center via Parallels RAS.
We also advise and implement at our customers for facilitating remote works in their IT environments.
And last but not least, we deliver a Managed Hosted Desktop service 'BusinessDesktop' from our data-center via Parallels RAS.
- Lightweight installation, one server can already do the whole job
- Provisioning of the Dell Wyse Thinclients
- Upgrades without downtime in a multi-server setup would be nice
- Wyse thinclient options configuration from the GUI
We use the RAS to make our software solutions available for customers all around the globe in an easy way and without further program installation than the Parallels Thin Client. This way we are in full control of the software and back-end modules and the customer launches the software as if it was running on their own PC.
- Remote launch of software.
- Easy administration.
- There may be a delay in the software due to network and distance.
- If the RAS is down it's potentially down for everyone.
We definitely use the Parallels RAS for simplicity and easy administration. 10 years ago it was the best solution we could find for the best price.
Parallels RAS Scorecard Summary
What is Parallels RAS?
Parallels® Remote Application Server (RAS) is an application delivery and VDI solution that helps organizations create digital workspaces, reduce TCO, enhance data security and streamline multi-cloud management. The vendor states that Iis flexible and scalable architecture will allow organizations to quickly adapt to business demands for new applications or desktop types—while providing a rich and consistent user experience from on-premises, hybrid and, public cloud deployments. By leveraging a centralized management console with built-in automation capabilities—such as auto-provisioning, auto-scaling, SAML integration, PowerShell and REST APIs—Parallels RAS enables administrators to automate and simplify complex and repetitive tasks.
Key benefits of Parallels RAS for your business:
- Superior user experience on any device, anywhere.
- Enhanced data security
- IT agility and business readiness
- Easy to deploy, configure, and maintain
- Reduce total cost of ownership (TCO)
Embrace digital transformation and grow your business with Parallels RAS. Achieve workforce mobility by leveraging a solution that provides smooth and secure remote application delivery and VDI.
Parallels RAS Screenshots
Parallels RAS Videos (2)
Parallels RAS Downloadables
Parallels RAS Competitors
Citrix Virtual Apps Essentials, Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (formerly XenDesktop), VMware Horizon (formerly VMware View), Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly XenApp)
Parallels RAS Pricing
- Has featureFree Trial Available?Yes
- Does not have featureFree or Freemium Version Available?No
- Does not have featurePremium Consulting/Integration Services Available?No
- Entry-level set up fee?No
Parallels RAS Technical Details
| Deployment Types: | On-premise, SaaS |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems: | Windows, Linux, Mac, Windows Servers 2008/R2, 2012/R2, 2016 and 2019 |
| Mobile Application: | Apple iOS, Android, Mobile Web |
| Supported Languages: | English, German, Japanese, Russian, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean |