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Parallels RAS

Parallels RAS

Overview

What is Parallels RAS?

Parallels Remote Application Server (Parallels RAS, formerly 2X RAS), is application virtualization technology, billed as a solution to extend the life of legacy OS (like Windows XP) with its virtual desktop for any device. Maltese company 2X Software developed the technology,…

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Recent Reviews
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Awards

Products that are considered exceptional by their customers based on a variety of criteria win TrustRadius awards. Learn more about the types of TrustRadius awards to make the best purchase decision. More about TrustRadius Awards

Reviewer Pros & Cons

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Verified User
Consultant in Information Technology
Information Technology & Services Company, 1-10 employees
Verified User
Director in Information Technology
Transportation/Trucking/Railroad Company, 1001-5000 employees
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Pricing

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Entry-level set up fee?

  • No setup fee
For the latest information on pricing, visithttps://www.parallels.com/products/ras/…

Offerings

  • Free Trial
  • Free/Freemium Version
  • Premium Consulting/Integration Services

Starting price (does not include set up fee)

  • $120 per year per user
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Product Details

What is Parallels RAS?

Parallels® Remote Application Server (RAS) is a remote work solution that provides secure virtual access to business applications and desktops on any device or OS—from anywhere. The platform offers an agile, cloud-ready foundation and end-to-end security fueled by a centralized management console with granular policies. Companies can leverage on-premises, hybrid, or public cloud deployments and integrate with existing technology like Microsoft Azure and AWS. Parallels RAS aims to give organizations the flexibility, scalability, and IT agility to adapt to changing business needs. Parallels RAS offers a single, full-featured licensing model that includes 24/7 support and access to product training. The vendor states its key benefits include:

  • User experience—work from anywhere, on any device.
  • Enhanced data security and compliance—centralized management console with granular policies.
  • IT agility and business readiness—flexible hosting solutions to scale and adapt.
  • Total cost of ownership—supports BYOD and includes a simple licensing model.
  • Always-on support—access to 24/7 support and training at no additional cost.

Parallels RAS Features

  • Supported: Advanced access controls: Secures corporate data with a client group policy in the Parallels RAS Console. Centrally manages and controls access by user, group, or device.
  • Supported: Multifactor authentication: Requires users to authentication access via two-factor or smart card authentication. Parallels RAS also integrates with third-party security solutions.
  • Supported: Encryption protocols: Parallels RAS Secure Gateway supports SSL and FIPS 140-2 encryption, helping organizations adhere to data compliance policies such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR.
  • Supported: Centralized monitoring: Transforms raw data into custom visual reports to show traffic and resource usage from network infrastructure. Centrally monitors day-to-day user activities.

Parallels RAS Screenshots

Screenshot of Parallels RAS supports on-premises, private and public cloud providers, including Azure and AWS, from a single console.Screenshot of The Parallels Web Client is accessible from any HTML5 browser or choose one of the many local clients.Screenshot of Parallels RAS integrates MSIX app attach for modern, dynamic app delivery.Screenshot of Parallels RAS supports multiple MFAs for security and flexibility.Screenshot of Integrated Let's Encrypt security certificates, to issue and manage certificates in Parallels RAS.Screenshot of Expression-based filtering makes it easier to set policies in the Parallels RAS.Screenshot of Visual reporting in the Parallels RAS Management Console is used to monitor and troubleshoot issues.

Parallels RAS Videos

This video shows how to deploy virtual apps and desktops via Parallels RAS in Azure by using Parallels RAS in the Azure Marketplace. This is a fast way to create a proof of concept (POC) or test environment.
This video demonstrates the steps an administrator takes within the Parallels RAS Console to successfully deliver services to end users via Amazon EC2.
Parallels RAS themes allow an organization to transform what the user sees when they access resources delivered via Parallels RAS. For example, custom branding (white labeling) can be applied, a custom URL can be set for the end user, and access can be locked down to specific ...
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MSIX app attach is an Azure Virtual Desktop feature. It provides application modernization, improves application lifecycle management, and reduces hardware footprint and IT management overhead by using fewer templates. Parallels RAS brings MSIX app attach technology to RDSH,...
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Automated certificate management with Let's Encrypt integration.
Parallels RAS includes cloud cost-reduction capabilities, including autoscaling, power management, and automated image optimization. Parallels RAS adds more cost-reduction measures by extending cost-saving capabilities to storage. When the virtual machine (VM) is not running...
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Parallels RAS Integrations

Parallels RAS Competitors

Parallels RAS Technical Details

Deployment TypesOn-premise, Software as a Service (SaaS), Cloud, or Web-Based
Operating SystemsWindows, Linux, Mac, Windows Server 2008R2, 2012/R2, 2016, 2022, Windows 7, 8/8.1, 10, 11
Mobile ApplicationAndroid, Mobile Web, iPadOS
Supported LanguagesEnglish, German, Japanese, Russian, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean

Parallels RAS Downloadables

Frequently Asked Questions

Parallels Remote Application Server (Parallels RAS, formerly 2X RAS), is application virtualization technology, billed as a solution to extend the life of legacy OS (like Windows XP) with its virtual desktop for any device. Maltese company 2X Software developed the technology, but was acquired by Parallels (in Seattle, WA) in February, 2015 to extend their cross-platform support solutions.

Parallels RAS starts at $120.

Citrix DaaS, VMware Horizon, and VMware Horizon Cloud Service on Microsoft Azure are common alternatives for Parallels RAS.

Reviewers rate Availability highest, with a score of 9.6.

The most common users of Parallels RAS are from Mid-sized Companies (51-1,000 employees).
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Comparisons

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Reviews and Ratings

(240)

Attribute Ratings

Reviews

(1-25 of 139)
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September 02, 2023

A good fit for legacy applications

Verified User
Director in Information Technology
Transportation/Trucking/Railroad Company, 1001-5000 employees
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Likelihood to Recommend
Parallels Remote Application Server (Parallels RAS) is well suited for access to legacy application (client / server). Is cheaper respect to Citrix and have a lot of features that the simple microsoft RAS do not have. This is a very well fit for us. also VDI is a great use of the application. Less appropriate in my opinion on web based applications
August 30, 2023

Parallels Remote Application Server - it just works.

Verified User
Analyst in Information Technology
Health, Wellness and Fitness Company, 1001-5000 employees
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Likelihood to Recommend
It's great at forcing specific browser use for certain apps. We have some apps that only work in IE - for example. It can create and spin up desktops from an image - replacing a VDI solution completely. it is great at printing - never had issues with drivers or devices
August 30, 2023

easy and cost effective Solution for Home Office activities

Verified User
Administrator in Information Technology
Chemicals Company, 201-500 employees
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Likelihood to Recommend
Parallels Remote Application Server (Parallels RAS) is well suited for companies who wants to have a good priced solution for remote connections or home office activities which is also easy to configure. There is no difficult licensing like on other brands you have on this market When you by a Parallels RAS license, you can use all included features.
August 29, 2023

Parallels RAS provides a cost effective user experience.

Verified User
Director in Information Technology
Mental Health Care Company, 501-1000 employees
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Likelihood to Recommend
I would recommend parallels to anyone that has virtual desktop infrastructure, remote applications, or a hyper converge infrastructure. This could be extra beneficial for a call center as they only bill per active user, so if the call center has any shift changes the business only pays for users that are active.
August 23, 2023

Easy to deploy and manage. Good end-user experience.

Verified User
Technician in Information Technology
Information Services Company, 11-50 employees
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
Likelihood to Recommend
I think it's well suited to someone smaller environments (sub 100 users). May work well with larger deployments but we have only used it with smaller businesses and it has served us well. In my opinion, it's probably not well suited for a very small environment simply due to the cost.
August 22, 2023

Very good product - poor sales and renewal experience

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Marketing & Advertising Company, 51-200 employees
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Likelihood to Recommend
Parallels RAS can be used in many scenarios, It can be a VDI platform for desktop replacement and a move to a more central virtualized infrastructure. It can allow you to publish a cloud app that can be accessed from anywhere on nearly any device avoiding the need to install anything on device. I can see its value in Retail, Remote services, Manufacturing, schools, etc. anywhere with an internet connection. It adds a secure layer in front of RDP services. It can be used to allow secure access to desktops or laptops from outside the office if this is something you need to do.
August 22, 2023

A great option for those looking to simplify deployment of their published applications.

Verified User
Team Lead in Information Technology
Apparel & Fashion Company, 51-200 employees
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Likelihood to Recommend
Works perfect where you need multiple people to access software remotely and the software has a centralized database or file that is stored on the RAS server and vpn is not an option because of performance / reliability reasons. Also eliminates the need to install the same software on multiple user devices and have to deal with managing updates constantly.
August 21, 2023

Parallels Remote Application Server is our go-to Citrix replacement because of it's easy implementation and security options (SAML)

JM
Jan Mangelschots
System Architect
Netropolix (Information Technology & Services, 51-200 employees)
Score 6 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Likelihood to Recommend
In our company when a customer has an out-of-date Citrix installation we always recommend switching to Parallels Remote Application Server, cheaper in-licensing and cheaper in infrastructure needs. It's also a lot easier to implement and maintain. When using Azure Virtual Desktop we currently don't see the need to augment it with Parallels Remote Application Server.
May 04, 2023

Easy to use with great value

Verified User
Consultant in Information Technology
Computer Software Company, 201-500 employees
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Likelihood to Recommend
Well suited for a Distributed workforce specifically as more company's transition into a hybrid way of working. Good for Organizations that deal with sensitive data and need to ensure compliance with security regulations with MFA being supported. Scales very well and does not require large vdi farms to support it
October 27, 2022

Progressive Platform for Remote Management.

MT
Martyn Ticko
Management Information Systems Director
Lift Accounting (Accounting, 201-500 employees)
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Likelihood to Recommend
Parallels Remote is the productive approach to remote management, where friendly communications, reliable systems integrations, and concrete business support are well offered. Again, Parallels Remote manages all procedures that focus on innovations and business enhancement. Finally, Parallels Remote is accurately useful, where manageable costs are authentically reduced and better performance enhanced.
October 27, 2022

Sustainable and Efficient Remote Enhancement Platform.

MT
Madrina Tyson
Systems Software Engineer
BeWorks (Accounting, 201-500 employees)
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Likelihood to Recommend
Parallels Remote is constant and professional in delivering quality services for remote collaboration, application sharing, and database management. The universal access of Parallels Remote delivers accurate inference, more so in matters of database analysis and complaisance. The seedy navigation of all communications proceedings and back up systems give Parallels Remote more support and acceptance to new users.
October 25, 2022

Parallels Remote Application Server Review

Marzieh Hooshmand | TrustRadius Reviewer
Marzieh Hooshmand
Consultant
Emarex (Architecture & Planning, 11-50 employees)
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Likelihood to Recommend
The remote desktop option is very fast and secure and helps me a lot. Also, sometimes I need some specialized software in the work environment that requires strong hardware to run, which can be done through Parallels Remote Application Server via any devices. It doesn't matter what size your company is, I think it is important for every company to have it.
October 20, 2022

Substantial Virtual Support Program.

EM
Ephah Mikson
Systems Developer
BeWork (Accounting, 201-500 employees)
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Likelihood to Recommend
Parallels Remote is quality in managing most of the business roles online, where data backup and storage are well managed, and desktop and software sharing are well facilitated too. More so, Parallels Remote brings employees into a closed setup, where they communicate virtually and share concepts despite their location. Further, Parallels Remote has the required technological support for friendly business operations.
October 12, 2022

Parallels RAS has more than delivered on our expectations

Verified User
Team Lead in Research & Development
Banking Company, 11-50 employees
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Likelihood to Recommend
Parallels Remote Application Server is ideal for organizations looking to host their applications in the cloud without the need for installing them on client machines and interacting with different IT departments. It's less suited for web applications that are already in the cloud by their nature.
September 15, 2022

Does what it needs to do.

Verified User
Professional in Information Technology
Information Technology & Services Company, 11-50 employees
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Likelihood to Recommend
If you're a business that needs to distribute line of business or general office-type apps to remote or even local users, RAS is a great alternative compared to its overly complex competitors. Even with a small IT team, anyone can get going and produce a functional application cluster and have users onboarded in no time. Your users will be up and running very quickly for most use cases, but if you require some custom functions or if you're thinking about plug-ins or custom development, you may wish to lock elsewhere. RAS is not very easily extensible beyond automation with PowerShell, which we leverage for automatically scaling instances, but say you wished to implement AzureAD-based MFA, there's no way to do anything except TOTP-based MFA in version 18. Overall for small to large businesses, I think RAS is an excellent solution for VDI and RemoteApps-type use cases; for extremely large businesses, there'd need to be a very strong business case analysis.
September 14, 2022

Parallels RAS simplifies SaaS application delivery.

Verified User
Program Manager in Information Technology
Information Technology & Services Company, 11-50 employees
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Likelihood to Recommend
Parallels RAS is well suited for: multi-device and anywhere access to the cloud service for medium-large organizations; simplified automated administration in smaller teams; access to windows desktop applications on Linux, Chrome, Android, and iOS devices licensing management for the users delivering multiple cloud applications seamlessly Less appropriate for Enabling access to personal and organizational resources from the cloud service.
September 09, 2022

When the product speaks for itself!

Verified User
Executive in Information Technology
Computer Software Company, 11-50 employees
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Likelihood to Recommend
Costing is one place, where it might not be very suitable for a startup. Also, there is no monthly model - which sometimes makes it difficult to sell to a dynamic market. It is very well suited for companies who are scaling up.
September 07, 2022

Very Happy with Parallels Remote Application Server

Verified User
Director in Information Technology
Fine Art Company, 201-500 employees
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Likelihood to Recommend
Parallels Remote Application Server is well suited for deploying applications to end users in which you wish to control the experience and simplify the rollout. This not only helped our end users, but our support staff is no longer managing the application on every desktop. It's a big win. Keep server backend resources in mind... it's not intensive by any means, but could be overlooked.
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