Parallels RAS review by a healthcare IT Manager
April 03, 2020
Parallels RAS review by a healthcare IT Manager
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Parallels Remote Application Server
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.
- Some of our software is really expensive, but only used once in a while. In this scenario, it is nice to only have to pay the license cost on a shared remote machine, rather than individually installing the software on every doctor's device.
- When Internet goes down at a remote office, a doctor can use a hotspot on their phone or tablet and still connect to our systems and continue to conduct business.
- A few of our hospitals have their own network that does not connect to ours, but Parallels enables us to push images and files to our hub off their network.
Parallels RAS stacks up against other options, but each has its own pros and cons; it is important to know what a company is trying to accomplish with the solution to make the best decision as they're all good products. The same is true across the board with IT. For instance, if someone is trying to edit video for a marketing campaign, then I'm going to recommend a MacBook Pro. However, if someone just wants to work on QuickBooks and update spreadsheets, I'm going to recommend a basic Windows laptop or Chromebook. Both will do the job for both situations; however, one is a better solution than the other.
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.
We use Parallels on a wide variety of devices and operating systems, which has given doctors the flexibility of using their preferred. I have some doctors using Parallels on Windows desktops and laptops, while I have others remotely accessing our servers using their MacBook or iPad. Parallels seems to work well on whatever device works best for the staff member using it.
We currently embrace VMware, ESXi, and iDRAC for future growth and virtualization. Having the ability to continue to use Parallels RAS allows us to embrace change moving forward as we continue to virtualize as many servers and applications as we can. We mainly use Parallels to remotely and securely access RadiAnt, EMR\EHR, G SUITE, and Dragon dictation software.
Combining Parallels RAS, with SSL, encryption, and multi-factor authentication is wonderful, because it allows us to stay in compliance with HIPAA when access SPI remotely. When combine with local firewall hardware and local firewall software, the layers of security continue to grow. Now add a few additional layers and what you now have is a highly secure and versatile solution for many different environments.
Do you think Parallels Remote Application Server (Parallels RAS) delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with Parallels Remote Application Server (Parallels RAS)'s feature set?
Yes
Did Parallels Remote Application Server (Parallels RAS) live up to sales and marketing promises?
I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process
Did implementation of Parallels Remote Application Server (Parallels RAS) go as expected?
I wasn't involved with the implementation phase
Would you buy Parallels Remote Application Server (Parallels RAS) again?
Yes