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Goodbye Citrix.... hello Parallels Remote Application Server
Updated August 12, 2022

Goodbye Citrix.... hello Parallels Remote Application Server

Ryan Snelson | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Reseller

Overall Satisfaction with Parallels Remote Application Server

We use Parallels Remote Application Server in multiple ways. The first use is for our remote works, allowing them to secure access to our networks with little fuss. The biggest things for us are the ease of security and also the ease of access. It feels like a great combination of secure but simple. Sometimes simpler is better!
  • Simple RDP / Application access
  • Setup is a breeze compared to competitors
  • Simple layout for management
  • In constant development
  • I feel it could give more options in the Parallels Remote Application Server client around connection settings
  • Personally not a fan of the default settings applied to some settings
  • Parallels Remote Application Server tenant broker could be better sign posted
  • As a replacement for Citrix, the ROI is massive as its simpler but just as good at 90% of things
  • Time saved on the RDP management compared to the standard windows options is great
  • Does require a couple of servers to run and can be done on a DC which is a shame
  • Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (formerly XenDesktop)
I think it's a pretty easy comparison of the two. Citrix is more expensive and more complicated compared to Parallels Remote Application Server; however, Parallels Remote Application Server misses the nice audio plugins that Citrix has for teams, etc. Parallels Remote Application Server really excels in its ease of installation and use compared to Citrix. Citrix does have a slightly bigger feature set, however, but you need to purchase other Citrix items to get full benefits. Parallels Remote Application Server has everything included.
I believe the ease of use is such a massive bonus of the product. It means that the support and install overhead is minimal compared to other options. We as a business benefit massively from this as it allows us to spend more time doing other things as well, and the product helps us work more efficiently.
As a managed service provider with a limited staff, it means that we might have situations where we need to do work on the go. The HTML5 portal means we can quickly and securely access our required servers without wondering what else is on the machine. It's a product that really put ease and security at the heart of its build, and you can tell.
We tend to stick with Hyper-V as a hypervisor as the cost benefits outweigh our customer requirements at present. However, knowing we have the benefit of working with all hypervisors is great as it means we can adapt better to customer needs as and when we need to rather than having to change products or reinstall and start again.
The key component here is multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication is the key to any great security product as it means everyone can relax about compromised credentials. It's also becoming such a requirement now a product like this without it couldn't work. Also, the security levels involved mean we have access securely from wherever we want it.
So Parallels Remote Application Server is designed in such a clever way that you don't need too much support. On the two occasions we have been in touch with support, they have been quick to respond with solid information. Not just sending over a KB article and saying work it out on your own. They want to learn the system so they can help you benefit from the product fully.

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

For simple RDS - Remote working style desktop as a service is great at managing users and desktops they are accessing. It's also great for single application deployment, and especially for us, a managed service provider is great for spinning up and down VMs as the load increases and decreases based on load! This is by far one of its best features.

Using Parallels Remote Application Server

100 - Allows for great remote working for all our customer. They have the ability to work from where ever they are on any device. It also enables us to enhance the security of the platform by ensuring that no data leaves the system that we don’t want to. I’d recommend it to anyone
5 - We have a combination of first level. Second level and third level engineers. However we do find that the platform being so simple it fairly easy to understand and to get your head around. A good knowledge of terminal services is advantageous when using the remote application server. Ts servers are the best uses
  • Rdp remote access from any device
  • VDI access again from any device
  • Deploying application securely to any device
  • Travel engineers have secure access to key systems
  • Allow to deploy remote phone apps
  • Great for multiple tenant setup
It’s a great solution at a solid and simple pricing structure