Skip to main content
TrustRadius
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,…

Read more
Recent Reviews
Read all reviews

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

View all pros & cons
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
Return to navigation

Pricing

View all pricing

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
Return to navigation

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 ...
 Show More
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,...
 Show More
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...
 Show More

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).
Return to navigation

Comparisons

View all alternatives
Return to navigation

Reviews and Ratings

(240)

Attribute Ratings

Reviews

(51-75 of 128)
Companies can't remove reviews or game the system. Here's why
March 11, 2022

The Straight and Narrow of Parallels Remote Application Server

BR
Ben Rutherford
Senior Help Desk Technician
Ditco Business Services (Information Technology & Services, 51-200 employees)
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Support Rating
6
With Parallels Remote Application Server, the support could be better. Whenever you have an issue, they run through the same set of pre-tests, most if not all of which you have carried out prior to calling, but they insist they perform those first. Time-wise, they are quite good at getting back to you within a short space of time, but they have a terrible habit of just remoting in and fixing it instead of explaining what they have done or what was the cause.
February 28, 2022

Want your Remote Access to be available Anytime, Anywhere on Any Device ... Try Parallels Remote Application Server

Herbert Burt | TrustRadius Reviewer
Herbert Burt
Vice President of Customer Developement
TSG Networks (Information Technology & Services, 1-10 employees)
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
Support Rating
10
In those few instances where there are issues, we can always feel confident that we can get them resolved quickly. With both online and voice support options, their technical staff is readily available and fully knowledgeable. If the problem is theirs they own it, if not they help to guide us to the proper support.
February 26, 2022

An excellent product to deliver office working from home.

Rob Booth | TrustRadius Reviewer
Rob Booth
IT Technical Support Engineer
Danbro (Financial Services, 51-200 employees)
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Support Rating
10
The few times we have had to contact Parallels support they have been excellent in helping to troubleshoot issues responding to and resolving tickets accurately and efficiently. Parallels provide comprehensive information about upcoming software updates and upgrades and will listen to feedback in the form of feature requests.
July 09, 2021

100% Cloud Based in healthcare!

Verified User
Administrator in Information Technology
Health, Wellness and Fitness Company, 501-1000 employees
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Support Rating
9
When we first purchased Parallels [Remote Application Server] support was among the best I have ever worked with. Very fast response times, direct interaction with support techs as various levels, etc. In recent times though it seems Parallels has grown and I don't feel we have that same direct access with support anymore. I'm sure it's because of customer volume raising with such a great product.
April 06, 2020

Parallels Remote Application Server Review

Verified User
Professional in Information Technology
Electrical & Electronic Manufacturing Company, 1001-5000 employees
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Support Rating
9
Parallels support offers many way to support their customers. We can call support number, email technicians, or create a web-based ticket. I found most of the time, their technicians responded to my issues in a timely manner. Their technicians' technical knowledge is also adequate to solve most of my issues. I also have the option to escalate my problem to my sales reps and they usually follow up to ensure my issue is resolved.
April 04, 2020

I love Parallels Remote Application Server & here's why

Clint Rankin | TrustRadius Reviewer
Clint Rankin
Director of Information Technology
Admiral Express Office Supply (Business Supplies & Equipment, 201-500 employees)
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Support Rating
10
I did not have to reach out to support very often but when I did I loved the fact I always got someone that did not have a heavy accent that I could barely understand what they were saying. Support was always local to me (USA) and I always got someone the first try who was very knowledgeable.
April 03, 2020

Parallels RAS review by a healthcare IT Manager

Jason Chafin | TrustRadius Reviewer
Jason Chafin
IT Manager
Premier Cardiovascular Specialists (Hospital & Health Care, 51-200 employees)
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Support Rating
5
I am going to give Parallels RAS overall support a neutral rating - no opinion on this topic. I've been at PCS for 8 months and have not even once heard of a RAS support contact. Should we need RAS support, it would be nice to have this contact name and number.
April 03, 2020

Parallels is the best remote application and virtual desktop delivery software you have never heard of

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Information Technology & Services Company, 11-50 employees
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Support Rating
10
Every time I have any questions about setup or problems with the program, their support has been incredibly fast and knowledgeable in responding. The ability to actually contact a human with knowledge is a very nice change of pace from using Microsoft's products. Their accounts managers and billing side are very easy to work with as well. A company that's a joy to have to call compared to most vendors.
April 01, 2020

Parallels RAS made me forget 13 years of XenApp in a heartbeat.

Jorge Acopa Galera | TrustRadius Reviewer
Jorge Acopa Galera
Administrador de comunicaciones, redes y servidores
Grupo Promotora Residencial (Real Estate, 201-500 employees)
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Support Rating
10
Product has updates often from server agent to gateway console, knowledge and support on the site its easy to find and solutions and patches are always in hand. On the other hand I can barely remember the last time I had any kind of issue with the product, so mostly I just had used support to find configurations.
March 27, 2020

PRAS - great value for money with nice technical support. Sales support bad!

Verified User
Executive in Information Technology
Accounting Company, 51-200 employees
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Support Rating
5
I have to say that I must divide sales and technical support.

And as soon as I divide it - the number becomes apparent: 0 for sales support, 10 for technical support.

The technical support is just the best. Technicians care, very responsive, and dealt even with severe cases (we had multiple). They are always ready to get some ideas about new features too, and they get implemented in new releases.

Sales support is a catastrophe! I got our first 50-users license contracted through a friend, who worked at Parallels at that time. Now he's gone. Since then it's a nightmare! Arrogant sales personnel from Malta always try to push prices per user higher (even when I buy more!). Almost blackmailing asking for more per user assuming that once implemented, the company will pay higher rates rather than migrating. In our case, only partially true. Last time had contact with them the end of 2019, got a promise they'll contact back because of a month-long vacation (!) - never happened.
Return to navigation