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Parallels Desktop for Mac bridging the GAP
March 25, 2016

Parallels Desktop for Mac bridging the GAP

Denise Wade | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Parallels Desktop

I deployed Parallels Desktop to 40 Macs. Parallels is mainly used on MacBooks; Parallels Desktop for Mac was deployed to Mac users who need Windows to run some applications but wanted a stable operating system to run on. Once deployed we were able to recoup PCs and redeploy them to other users. We also used Parallels Desktop for Mac in a classroom with 15 Macs. The setup saved the school $15,000 for three semesters because the classroom could accommodate Windows or Mac users so the school wouldn’t have to rent outside space.
  • Parallels Desktop is very stable and over the year has improved tremendously. I particularly love the migration, this feature allows a user to convert a desktop image to virtual image.
  • Parallels Desktop is very user friendly and users actually believe they are working on a real Windows Desktop. I use Parallels Desktop to constantly test applications that need to run in both a Windows and Mac environment.
  • I love the snapshot feature I recovered several users VM with this feature it's one of best backup options I have ever used.
  • I am quite satisfied with features and I have no complaints. I have no problem with functionality.
  • It would be nice if it was a little bit cheaper for home users.
  • It saved the school $15,000 dollars for three semesters - classrooms used with a dual purpose (Windows and Mac).
Parallels Desktop for Mac was chosen because of its robust features and great price. Even though VirtualBox is free it does not provide the same features. In Parallels you can download extra patches to accommodate printer and usb drivers.
Parallels Desktop for Mac works great in a lab or classroom environment. I can't really think a situation where I wouldn't use it.

Parallels Desktop Feature Ratings

Remote Administration
9.0
File transfer
9
Instant message
Not Rated
Secure remote access with Smart Card authentication
Not Rated
Access to sleeping/powered-off computers
Not Rated
Over-the-Internet remote session
Not Rated
Initiate remote control from mobile
Not Rated
Remote management of servers & workstations
Not Rated
Remote Active Directory® management
Not Rated
Centralized management dashboard
Not Rated
Session record
Not Rated
Annotations
Not Rated
Monitoring and Alerts
Not Rated
Multi-platform remote control
Not Rated

Parallels Desktop Implementation

The only advice I can provide is think about who is using the product and build the image based on the true needs of the user.
  • Implemented in-house
Yes - There were two phases testing and deployment. I created a VM then deployed to a test group based on their feedback. I made changes and improvements before deployed the finished product.
Change management was minimal - I learned testing and re-testing and documentation is crucial before deploying any product. Creating easy to read documentation made it easier for users to use the product.
  • The issue I encountered was scheduling the deployment based on the user's availability.