Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) Reviews

Name: Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)
Brand: Parallels
Rating: 4.4 (25 reviews)

4.4 out of 5

25 reviews
96% willing to recommend

2,369 followers

What is Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)?

ApplicationServer delivers applications, data and virtual desktops from a central location, providing continuous availability, resource-based load-balancing and complete network transparency.

Get the Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS), Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service), Microsoft App-V and more!

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is the #4 ranked solution in top Application Virtualization solutions and #9 ranked solution in top Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions. PeerSpot users give Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) an average rating of 8.8 out of 10. Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is most commonly compared to Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service): Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) vs Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service). Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 53% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 16% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

March 2025

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Helped 848,253 peers since 2012

Featured Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) reviews

JohanSkibdahl

CEO at Etcetera Networks

One valuable feature is the ability to securely use a wide range of devices to access the company's infrastructure. The inclusion of all necessary components, such as load balancer and gateways, in a monthly fee is also beneficial. In terms of Parallels Desktop, the coherence mode that allows Mac and Windows applications to run seamlessly side by side is highly regarded.

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AJ Hartenberg

Business Owner at Yada Group Services

I advise others to make the purchase decision for the solution depending on the requirements of their business applications. The solution provides ease of use and a secure environment. Also, it has integration with different types of OS like Mac, Windows, and Linux. In addition, it has good scalability of usage and reliability for uptime. I rate it a nine out of ten.

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-Jeremy Hallock

Datacenter Engineer at Freelancer

Scalability is not super-applicable because we have a pretty static environment, but when there is a need to add additional servers, it's not difficult. I know that there are some automated features that you can use to scale, but we've never had to use any of those, so I can't speak to that, but I know that it is something that they offer as part of the solution. We have two people that are the administrators of Parallels and some support staff and developers, around 10 people, that do administration of the applications that are published. We have about 250 users.

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Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) mindshare

Product category:

As of April 2025, the mindshare of Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) in the Application Virtualization category stands at 16.3%, up from 14.1% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Application Virtualization

PeerAnalyst reports based on Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Application Virtualization	Apr 18, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Apr 18, 2025	Download
Comparison	Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) vs Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service)	Apr 18, 2025	Download
Comparison	Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) vs Microsoft App-V	Apr 18, 2025	Download
Comparison	Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) vs Microsoft Virtual Server	Apr 18, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service)	4.2	27.0%	92%	125 interviews Add to research
Microsoft App-V	4.7	22.4%	83%	5 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Parallels Remote Application Server offers cost-effectiveness, robust performance, stability, and ease of use. It excels in simple app publishing, seamless management, and client compatibility across diverse platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. The intuitive interface and HTML5 client provide easy remote access. Its integration with security features like two-factor authentication enhances data control and access. Organizations highlight its ability to manage resources efficiently without extensive documentation, making it highly versatile and secure.

"Parallels Desktop allows me to run both Mac and Windows operating systems on a single machine, eliminating the need for separate Windows hardware."
"One valuable feature is the ability to securely use a wide range of devices to access the company's infrastructure."
"We can provision the servers without the need for another third-party solution."

Room for Improvement

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) requires improvements in delegation for AD Groups, performance monitoring, and automatic reconnection. Issues with printing and HALB stability need resolution. Simplifying updates and management, enhancing local support, and offering more flexibility are areas for enhancement. Needs exist for better endpoint monitoring, user interface customization, application virtualization improvement, and a reduction in Active Directory dependency. Pricing and migration processes could also be addressed for better user experience.

"A potential improvement could be reducing the dependency on Microsoft solutions for Parallels RAS."
"The product does not utilize SQL for reporting purposes. Also, it does not support some hypervisors similar to Citrix. These particular areas need improvement."
"Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is an expensive solution, and its pricing could be improved."

ROI

Users find it challenging to quantify the ROI from Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS). They believe that without it, their costs would increase significantly or their businesses might not survive. Some express that Parallels Desktop's investment is not substantial enough to calculate ROI. Overall, they feel that the service is worth the investment despite the difficulties in determining the exact financial benefits compared to alternatives.

Pricing

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) offers competitive and cost-effective pricing compared to alternatives like Citrix. Users appreciate clear pricing structures, but some find the subscription model limiting and desire more flexible per-user, per-month options. While deals can be negotiated due to the product's relative newness, users note that pricing includes a fixed monthly fee starting from 15 licenses. They recognize value despite initial high costs, but suggest exploring lower-cost versions for small businesses.

"The product is not expensive. I rate its pricing a three or four out of ten."
"It is inexpensive compared to one of its competitors."
"I don't like the subscription model because it feels like I have to pay every month. If Parallels could go back to the professional license, it would be much better."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) as a client gateway for accessing cloud platforms, supporting remote desktop access, and publishing applications. It serves as an alternative to Windows RDS for providing remote access across various devices, including Macs, Windows, Linux, and Android. Companies utilize Parallels RAS for remote application installation, load balancing for RDS infrastructure, and offering hosted services, facilitating seamless remote access to enterprise applications for geographically scattered users.

Service and Support

Technical support for Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is generally well-regarded for its responsiveness and knowledge. Many find the assistance helpful and accommodating. Some users experience challenges with time zones and initial ticket processes. Advanced support levels receive praise for effectiveness. Not all users need frequent support, but positive feedback is common when assistance is required. Several users suggest minor improvements at the first support level. Ratings often fall between eight and ten out of ten.

Deployment

Experiences with Parallels Remote Application Server's initial setup indicate it is generally straightforward. Some found additional complexity with multi-site setups or specific environments, but assistance from the vendor helped streamline the process. Simple configurations, such as single-server environments, were easier. Several users appreciated the ease of use compared to Citrix, noting minimal time required for setup. In more challenging environments, users managed complexity with support from Parallels, ultimately finding the process manageable.

Scalability

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is generally considered scalable, with many reporting smooth support for thousands of users. Some mention a slight delay, possibly server-related. They express satisfaction with scaling features, acknowledging that effective scaling may require additional technical understanding, especially in load balancing. A few noted no scalability challenges despite expanding server infrastructure. Many indicated no difficulties with scaling, while a few qualifiers expressed concerns over server shutdown processes outside operating hours.

Stability

Parallels Remote Application Server shows good stability, with most entities encountering minimal issues. Some versions had minor problems, quickly resolved through updates. Occasionally, stability concerns arise from licensing or client-side connectivity and configuration, but these are not widespread. When properly resourced, RAS performs reliably. It's noted that issues are often server-related rather than inherent to RAS. Overall, entities find it stable, with only rare complications impacting its consistent performance.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

16%

Government

13%

Financial Services Firm

Manufacturing Company

Healthcare Company

Educational Organization

University

Media Company

Construction Company

Hospitality Company

Non Profit

Real Estate/Law Firm

Retailer

Legal Firm

Comms Service Provider

Energy/Utilities Company

Transportation Company

Photography Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Performing Arts

Consumer Goods Company

Agriculture

Insurance Company

Leisure / Travel Company

Outsourcing Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

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Learn more about Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) was previously known as Parallels RAS.

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) customers

Arsari Group _ PT Netmarks Indonesia, Izhevsk Elektromekhanicheskiy Zavod (IEMZ) _ Kupol, Abilene Diagnostic Clinic, Fylde Borough Council, YARSTROYREZE LLC, VSK Insurance House, Melenkovsky District of Vladimirskaya Oblast, Sofrigam SA, Antenna International, KingsGate Community Church, Norwegian American Hospital, Island Hotels Group, Medway Council, Medway Council, Voices of September 11th, MacDonald Training Center, Kansas Childrenês Service League, Scope,Next Generation Clubs, WTC Communications, Opera Australia, HSE Integrated, Danier, Bridgwater College, Kern County Mental Health, Tony Tiendas, Spears Manufacturing, Managed Insurance Services Inc., Intuitive Medical Software, M.J. Soffe, Mazda Motors, Israel Military Industries (IMI), Telfair, Upic Solutions, Teleflora, Fisher & Company