Parallels offers value for money, simplicity, and exceeds our expectations
February 26, 2020

Parallels offers value for money, simplicity, and exceeds our expectations

Anonymous | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Parallels Remote Application Server

Parallels is being leveraged to provision applications internally and externally that do not perform well over low bandwidth links or through Microsoft Direct Access. We have a long history of utilizing Citrix and Citrix Access Gateway. We evaluated Parallels and found it was a viable solution to replace Citrix. Our user base is approx 120 users mostly in our Operational Water/Sewer teams.
  • Major simplification of back end infrastructure - servers and patching.
  • Configuration is straight forward and comprehensive.
  • Positive - approx 35K per year saving.
  • Positive - lower maintenance overheads for our Windows team.
In both instances, Parallels was cheaper and less complicated both in technical terms and licencing terms - lower barrier to entry and right fit for our company.
Yes, we did benefit from this simplification. My team was able to stand up Parallels in a very short period of time. It is a less complicated solution that doesn't over complicate and muddle the strengths of the Windows OS etc that it runs on. We were able to provision applications and full desktops from multiple sources. Configuration changes are able to be made quickly and take hold quickly.
We decided to deploy only the HTML5 client. The interface, the windowing and the ability to switch between applications via HTML5 client were straight forward. We did notice that the Full Client was faster but there is none of the typical packaging and client software updates if we stick with the HTML5 client. Also, as we have external users, they are not required to install any software to access Parallels.
We run Parallels primarily on VMWare. We rarely deploy software in any other way. I will note that our Parallels install was primarily on VMWare but we also have nodes running from function-specific machines like building security PCs. The user doesn't know the difference.
We integrated Parallels into our Fortinet Forti Authenticator software for MFA. Commentary from our Windows team suggests it was very straight forward. Access control is via AD groups. We also use SSL, that is standard.
Parallels support assisted at times when needed. In particular, when we were still trailing the software and also during the transition phase, we were able to negotiate temporary licences etc.

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?

Yes

Did implementation of Parallels Remote Application Server (Parallels RAS) go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Parallels Remote Application Server (Parallels RAS) again?

Yes

I would not hesitate to recommend Parallels. I wish we would have switched from Citrix earlier. The price is excellent and offers great value. I also interacted with Parallels account managers and support. Account managers were particularly helpful during the transition phase and offered short term licenses to help us migrate our 120 users. Our Windows Administration team now has more time to spend on higher-value tasks.