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Parallels Desktop vs Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 5, 2024

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Customer Service

No sentiment score available
Sentiment score
8.0
Parallels Remote Application Server support is generally well-rated, with some issues in initial support stages and time differences.
 

Room For Improvement

No sentiment score available
Sentiment score
5.3
Parallels RAS could improve by enhancing monitoring, integration, interface, support, web management, cost, and expanding application and hypervisor compatibility.
The biggest challenge is compatibility between VMware and Parallels because the two systems are incompatible.
There are some issues with transferring data from Parallels to the Mac.
A potential improvement could be reducing the dependency on Microsoft solutions for Parallels RAS.
 

Scalability Issues

No sentiment score available
Sentiment score
8.3
Parallels RAS efficiently scales to support thousands of users, though some find load balancing and usage optimization challenging.
You can allocate resources from your internal machine, reducing the resources available to active users and providing more resources to Windows.
I can start from fifteen users and scale it to nearly any size.
 

Setup Cost

No sentiment score available
No sentiment score available
Parallels RAS is valued for its cost-effectiveness and clear licensing but desired more flexible growth options by some users.
It's a little more expensive than VMware.
If you want the standard version, it is more expensive but more advanced.
No additional fees for maintenance or support are required.
 

Stability Issues

No sentiment score available
Sentiment score
6.5
Parallels Remote Application Server is stable for most users, though issues with version 13, licensing, and connectivity exist.
Parallels Desktop is stable and without any system crashes.
 

Valuable Features

No sentiment score available
Sentiment score
8.5
Parallels RAS provides ease of use, stability, broad compatibility, and cost-effective remote access for diverse devices and infrastructures.
Parallels Desktop integrates seamlessly with macOS.
I like how, with Parallels, you can either boot into Mac or Windows to get better control over the resources of the laptops since you're sharing the resources in dual mode.
In terms of Parallels Desktop, the coherence mode that allows Mac and Windows applications to run seamlessly side by side is highly regarded.
 

Categories and Ranking

Parallels Desktop
Ranking in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
7th
Average Rating
7.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.0
Number of Reviews
2
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Parallels Remote Applicatio...
Ranking in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
11th
Average Rating
8.8
Reviews Sentiment
7.4
Number of Reviews
25
Ranking in other categories
Application Virtualization (4th)
 

Mindshare comparison

As of November 2024, in the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) category, the mindshare of Parallels Desktop is 14.6%, up from 7.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is 2.4%, down from 3.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
 

Featured Reviews

Grant-Donald - PeerSpot reviewer
It integrates seamlessly with macOS, but it's not compatible with VMware
Parallels Desktop does the same thing as VMware but for Apple users Parallels Desktop integrates seamlessly with macOS. It works better than VMware on Apple operating systems.  The biggest challenge is compatibility between VMware and Parallels because the two systems are incompatible. It can be…
JohanSkibdahl - PeerSpot reviewer
Secure access across devices with cost-effective seamless integration
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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Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions are best for your needs.
816,406 professionals have used our research since 2012.
 

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
13%
Comms Service Provider
11%
University
10%
Educational Organization
8%
Computer Software Company
17%
Government
10%
Financial Services Firm
9%
Manufacturing Company
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
No data available
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Parallels Desktop?
I like how, with Parallels, you can either boot into Mac or Windows to get better control over the resources of the laptops since you're sharing the resources in dual mode.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Parallels Desktop?
If you want the standard version, it is more expensive but more advanced. You get what you pay for. These products cost money, and the company has to make a profit.
What needs improvement with Parallels Desktop?
There may have been some issues with device drivers on my Mac. Similarly, there are some issues with transferring data from Parallels to the Mac.
What do you like most about Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)?
The solution is powerful, and it has good speed and performance.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)?
The product is not expensive. I rate its pricing a three or four out of ten.
What needs improvement with Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)?
Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is an expensive solution, and its pricing could be improved.
 

Also Known As

No data available
Parallels RAS
 

Learn More

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Overview

 

Sample Customers

Lytro, University of Washington, Slalom, Veeva Systems, Oklahoma Christian University
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
Find out what your peers are saying about Parallels Desktop vs. Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) and other solutions. Updated: October 2024.
816,406 professionals have used our research since 2012.