Parallels RAS Use Cases
Parallels® Remote Application Server (RAS) is a virtualization and application delivery solution that provides access to Windows and Linux applications and desktops. Parallels RAS uses Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol(RDP) and Remote Desktop Services (RDS) to deliver applications to end users. Parallels RAS enhances RDP and RDS with additional application publishing features and management tools. RAS can be installed on premises, in a private cloud, or on Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop, and AWS.
Best Parallels RAS Use Cases
Remote work: where office workers need to access productivity applications and desktops from anywhere at any time.
Manufacturing and production: where teams need to work together from various locations (like a manufacturing facility and a home office) and share applications and data.
Education: where educators and students can access centralized educational applications and desktops from anywhere.
Call Centers: where call center employees can access a centralized application to support customers, for example hotel reservations.
Use Cases Where Parallels Remote Application Server is Not a Fit
Parallels RAS utilization of RDP and RDS creates challenges for use cases where the following elements are critical to get right, for example:
Where privacy is paramount: while Parallels RAS supports SSO and MFA, it uses RDP as its display protocol. Since RDP is open source, its security weaknesses are well-known and have been frequently exploited.
When Using Google Cloud and Oracle Cloud: Parallels RAS is optimized for AWS and Azure; if your organization uses another cloud service, implementation is difficult.
Where end users need to utilize peripheral devices like printers: virtualized applications are notoriously bad at enabling end users to print, and Parallels RAS is no exception.
Where a significant number of users are using Macs: in order to allow Mac users to run virtualized Windows applications using Parallels RAS, IT will need to purchase a Windows license for each Mac user, resulting in additional IT expenses and administration tasks.
For Windows ISVs wanting to reduce application delivery costs: Since Parallels RAS utilizes RDS, ISVs using RAS to deliver applications to customers will need to pay for Microsoft server and user licenses in addition to Parallels RAS.
Unlike Parallels RAS, GO-Global replaces all Microsoft RDS functionality, allowing organizations to publish Windows applications simply, affordably, and securely, to any device that uses a browser. Additionally,GO-Global utilizes a universal print driver to reduce printing challenges, and works on any public cloud.
