Almost a decade of Parallels Remote Application Server and still happy
Updated August 30, 2021
Almost a decade of Parallels Remote Application Server and still happy
Overall Satisfaction with Parallels Remote Application Server
We use Parallels Remote Application Server to replace Citrix Servers and deliver a simple yet powerful tool to our end users for running published applications and accessing network resources from either mobile platforms or from other locations that are offsite. We found it simpler to get up and running and much less expensive than Citrix.
- Printing from published applications.
- Easy to set up and keep running.
- We would like to be able to do what we do with Citrix published ICA files—essentially free-standing configurations that once ran function like a local application while they log in (in the background).
- Parallels is much less expensive than Citrix to purchase and maintain
- It allows us to leverage older technology by letting us run applications on thin clients.
Well, of course, we use Terminal Services and Remote Desktop Protocol. That is an everyday occurrence. We use Parallels to provide RDP from the server to LAN workstations for some users as they travel. Works very well as a secure RDP gateway. We also used Citrix for many years for our paramedics to publish ICA files for scheduling systems as well as for remote access to some other software. Citrix is hard to beat but Parallels is a very close cousin.
It is definitely a good way to provide virtual and remote desktop access for specific users. VPNs are ok, but there are times when applications need the speed of a local area connection to function well, and Parallels certainly does allow the illusion of a local application that runs at network speeds since it is actually happening on the server. The central console is simple to understand and it's easy to add/remove users to available applications and resources.
We use Parallels Remote Application Server on a wide variety of devices—Windows PCS, Windows laptops, Microsoft Surface products, various iOS devices (iPads, iPhones), and Android tablets and phones. We have found that for the most part, the experience is the same regardless of the product being used, which keeps it simple for the end-users, and as a result, is simple for support as well.
We do run Parallels over HyperV, but I cannot speak to how it runs on VMWare and ESXi environments. Simply put: we have had no difficulty bringing up and maintaining Parallels Remote Application Servers in our environment. The licensing is straight forward and the installation is smooth and simple for us.
Security is always a concern. We use a host of tools to verify the end user's identity and we assign permissions based on the user who is connecting. We set up granular permissions for those in our finance department, and we encrypt everything at 2048-bit at this time. We are considering some multi-factor authentication for some users but at this time have not gone that route.
Do you think Parallels Remote Application Server delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with Parallels Remote Application Server's feature set?
Yes
Did Parallels Remote Application Server live up to sales and marketing promises?
Yes
Did implementation of Parallels Remote Application Server go as expected?
Yes
Would you buy Parallels Remote Application Server again?
Yes