If you need to run Windows Apps and are Mac User, buy Parallels. Best decision you can make.
Updated March 21, 2022
If you need to run Windows Apps and are Mac User, buy Parallels. Best decision you can make.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Software Version
Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition
Overall Satisfaction with Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop is used in my organization and with our customers to support Windows Apps when there is no Mac Application or the Mac Application is not fully featured.
We have a legacy application where only administrative functions can be performed in a Windows App. For some of our customers, all users are Mac users. Parallels and their Coherence Mode provide a near-seamless virtual machine/desktop experience for these users. Coherence Mode means they don't have to deal with a windows environment and can work side by side with our app and their other Mac apps (Adobe Creative Cloud apps, for example).
We have a legacy application where only administrative functions can be performed in a Windows App. For some of our customers, all users are Mac users. Parallels and their Coherence Mode provide a near-seamless virtual machine/desktop experience for these users. Coherence Mode means they don't have to deal with a windows environment and can work side by side with our app and their other Mac apps (Adobe Creative Cloud apps, for example).
Pros
- Windows (or other OS) virtualization on machines running MacOS
- Using Windows apps side by side your Mac apps
- Coherence Mode allows you to hide the Windows Virtual Machine and only interact with the Windows Apps (no Windows desktop in browser window)
Cons
- I think that over time it slows down, but this is really linked to Windows bloating.
- I think Coherence Mode could improve slightly...how the windows search window populates and moves around sometimes is weird. (this could be changed in settings, but I'm not sure)
- Memory Usage optimization (again, they do a great job, so I'm nitpicking here)
- It has allowed us to keep customers and keep them happy.
- It has allowed me to keep my current computer.
- It has made it possible for me to experience our app the way all customers see it without having to switch machines.
If you can follow a prompt and click a button, you can install Parallels. We chose Parallels because they make it so simple to buy, install, set up, and add licenses. I work with Creatives and getting them to run a Windows environment is a painful task. With Parallels, we can do it for them in minutes and "hide" Windows.
Do you think Parallels Desktop for Mac delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with Parallels Desktop for Mac's feature set?
Yes
Did Parallels Desktop for Mac live up to sales and marketing promises?
Yes
Did implementation of Parallels Desktop for Mac go as expected?
Yes
Would you buy Parallels Desktop for Mac again?
Yes
Using Parallels Desktop
12 - We have 2 internal users of Parallels and 10 clients who use the tool. Internally, they are CS and Engineering. On the customer side, they represent marketing/creative users within their respective organizations.
1 - Are you able to follow simple software installation instructions? The tool is so simple to install and it just works. Once you download the .pkg file, the installation is guided with the system doing most of the work for you, as long as you can read and click. Advanced functions like switching to coherence or setting memory limits is very simple also.
- Ability for mac users to access critical windows apps from their Macs
- Need for the VM to be installed on the local machine (not accessed remotely)
- Need for the ability to remove as much of the VM/Windows environment as possible
- Need to share files and copy/paste between local MacOS and local Windows VM
- It has allowed us to keep providing a fully featured application to clients using Mac instead of Windows.
- I believe we are utilizing it fully for our needs.
Evaluating Parallels Desktop and Competitors
Yes - VIrtual Box - It was not easy for non-technical users to install. Parallels makes it simple to install and work on a VM. Virtual Box does not, in my opinion. I'm sure it works well for tech savvy users like devs. But for folks who just need the software to work, Parallels is hands-down superior.
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Usability
Coherence mode in Parallels allows a user to use Windows apps on their Mac machine, while hiding so much of the windows environment, including the desktop. This was a game changer, as I had to go to creatives who love Mac and hate Windows and persuade them to use a Windows vm. Could not have done it otherwise.
I would have bought Parallels Desktop sooner and not tried other software or workarounds.
Parallels Desktop Implementation
- Implemented in-house
Change management was minimal - Use Coherence mode, as it makes disruption minimal.
- Installing a new OS can sometimes be tricky
Parallels Desktop Support
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Kept well informed No escalation required Immediate help available Support understands my problem Quick Initial Response | None |
No, it is not offered.
No, because the software works.
Using Parallels Desktop
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using Familiar | None |
- Installation is easy
- Setting memory and other setting is easy
- Coherence mode makes it easy to forget you are using a virtual machine.
- Downgrading licenses is my only issue
Comments
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