Parallels ® RAS

Parallels RAS

Parallels® RAS (remote application server) is a flexible virtual application and desktop delivery solution that empowers organizations of all sizes to work securely from anywhere, on any device.

Licensing starts from MSRP

What is Parallels RAS? Find out by watching this 90 second video.
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Why choose Parallels RAS

Flexibility

Deploy core components where best suited. Mix and match workloads: hybrid, on-premises, private cloud, public cloud including Azure Virtual Desktop and AWS.

User experience

Parallels RAS enables end users with the flexibility to work and collaborate in any remote environment while using their chosen devices.

Simplicity

Empower users with a simple digital workspace. Just one console for administration. Straightforward deployment and management.

Enhanced security

Exceptional end-to-end security and compliance measures are built directly into the Parallels RAS code. This ensures confidence in deployment confidence, regardless of configuration.

Total cost of ownership

All-in-one solution, with fast and effective onboarding and deployment times. Includes 24/7 support, free technical training, and simple licensing, all of which combine to help reduce costs.

What companies do with Parallels RAS worldwide

Remote to any device

High availability load balancing

Reporting and monitoring

TrustRadius Best of Awards

Parallels RAS has received recognition in the 2023 TrustRadius’ Best of Awards.

Discover the capabilities of Parallels RAS

Flexible solution with extensive integration options

Flexible solution with extensive integration options

Designed for hybrid deployments

IT Administrators have the freedom to deploy to fit their needs, whether it’s hybrid, on-premises, private cloud, and/or public cloud, including Azure Virtual Desktop, instead of being restricted to a single resource location.

Compatibility with leading hypervisors

Select the ideal platform for your deployment, whether it's VMware ESX, Microsoft Hyper-V, Scale, Nutanix, or other popular options.

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) integration

Customize AVD workloads directly within the Parallels RAS administration console, unlocking deployment efficiencies and cost optimization features. Leverage AVD-specific functionalities, such as Windows 10 and 11 multi-session and Microsoft Teams redirection to enhance your experience. Find out more

AWS EC2 integration
From within the AWS Marketplace, Parallels RAS can be directly deployed and managed. Find out more
Seamless Microsoft Azure integration

Deploy Parallels RAS effortlessly on Azure as an IaaS platform. Alternatively, select Parallels RAS directly from the Azure Marketplace for a quick deployment that takes only minutes.

No hypervisor/platform lock-in

Adopt the hypervisor or platform that best aligns with your business and technical requirements. If your platform changes, Parallels RAS can adapt accordingly.

Unparalleled user experience

Unparalleled user experience

Any browser, any device

Enable access to virtual apps and desktops without device or browser restrictions. Parallels client offerings are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and web (HTML5). Find out more

User session pre-launch based on user habits

Regardless of the client used, session pre-launch allocates resources based on time or Parallels RAS's patented system data for predictive availability, tailored to individual user patterns.

Support for peripherals

Peripherals like printers, scanners, smartcards, and others can be used within active sessions through pass-through functionality. Administrators also have the option to restrict peripheral access when necessary.

Selective multi-monitor
Allow users to designate one, some, or all monitors.
Branded user workspace

Customize the user workspace to match your enterprise's branding, incorporating your colors and logo for a cohesive look and feel.

Easy and fast access to local data

Effortlessly drag-and-drop files from your local device into the RAS environment, enjoying accelerated file retrieval. Share local files and folders swiftly within the RAS environment.

Simplified IT administration

Simplified IT administration

Single console administrative interface

Single console for all tasks: app and desktop management, image handling, reporting, gateway, load balancing, access control, authentication and authorization. Manage users and workloads effortlessly across multiple sites and data centers without switching consoles.

Manage and deploy virtual apps and desktops

Effortlessly manage and deploy virtual apps, desktops, and remote PCs based on user needs. Tailor solutions with VDI for specific use cases like contractors, while virtual applications cater to users needing only a single application.

Dynamic scaling, with ease

Parallels RAS adapts to your needs, accommodating a few users or thousands. It scales effortlessly as your environment grows, adding workloads and sites without complications. For example, if your call center doubles due to seasonal or regional expansion, Parallels RAS can seamlessly meet your requirements.

Multi-tenancy on any type of infrastructure

For MSPs, ISVs, or enterprises with segregated resources, built-in multi-tenancy functionality ensures efficient management and maximizes license utilization.

No additional or costly components

Enjoy secure remote access through the included Secure Gateway component and load balancing with the High Availability Load Balancer (HALB) or your preferred third-party load balancer.

One simplified licensing model

Embrace simplicity with a single licensing model based on concurrent users, eliminating the need for complex scenarios or costly add-ons for required components.

Built-in FSLogix support

Enable FSLogix user profiles seamlessly from the Parallels RAS administrative console, eliminating the need for manual and cumbersome steps.

Integrated MSIX App Attach and App-V for app deployment

Simplify app deployment and save time by automating the process with built-in functionality. Avoid manual steps and reduce administrative effort when packaging apps and deploying them to session hosts.

Upleveled security and compliance

Upleveled security and compliance

SSL/TLS 1.3 + FIPS-140-2 support

Ensure SSL/TLS 1.3 secured user sessions with FIPS-140-2 support, guaranteeing fully encrypted sessions that meet stringent security standards.

Inclusive user monitoring and forensics

Streamline the troubleshooting of user issues, granting easy access to data and reports. Additionally, it enhances post-activity research and compliance efforts.

Built-in MFA and 3rd party integration

Enhance authentication security with built-in MFA and seamless integration with third-party MFA providers. Easily enforce multi-factor authentication beyond just usernames and passwords, with options like Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, and others.

Access based on rule filters

Implement contextual access through filtering rules, enabling users to access resources only after meeting specific parameters, ensuring enhanced security.

Secure external access
Parallels RAS comes with user-friendly gateway functionality at no additional licensing cost.
Leverage external IdPs for SSO

Parallels RAS supports multiple identity providers, including Okta, Ping Identity, and Azure Active Directory.

Comprehensive auditing and logs

A self-contained logging system to record actions performed by administrators and end-users, including configuration changes and user login details with IP addresses and timestamps.

Integrated Let's Encrypt certificate management

Safeguard and encrypt user connections effortlessly, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming third-party certificates.

Superior Total cost of ownership (TCO)

Superior Total cost of ownership (TCO)

Quick and effective onboarding and training

Parallels RAS is intentionally designed to be user-friendly, eliminating the need for extensive and costly training sessions. With an intuitive, full wizard-driven guide approach in the management console and 24/7 technical support, Parallels RAS helps accelerate learning and skill development.

Stress-free licensing model

Parallels RAS offers a straightforward licensing model without multiple editions. It includes all features and software updates right from the start. The licensing model is solely based on the number of concurrent users connecting to the infrastructure.

Fast and efficient deployment

Parallels RAS can be quickly configured within hours to efficiently oversee IT environments, minimizing the requirement for time-consuming and expensive staging and setup fees typically associated with alternative virtual applications and desktop solutions.

Reducing infrastructure complexity

Parallels RAS reduces complexity by allowing administrators to perform the entire deployment from a single console. Furthermore, Parallels RAS can help optimize costs through automation, for example, it’s able to stop and deallocate virtual machines when they are not in use.

Parallels RAS 19.3 is Veracode verified!

Parallels RAS has obtained “verified status” from Veracode due to its exceptional security measures integrated right into its code.

Discover how Parallels RAS is being used in industries like yours

Education
Finance
Government
Healthcare
Manufacturing
Retail

What customers are saying about Parallels® RAS

"The competitive pricing and licensing structure is good for our bank account and our clients are not losing functionality. It’s a win-win situation."

Mark Vincent
President, XenTegra ONE

"Parallels RAS is a perfect alternative to complex and expensive enterprise solutions as it is easy to set up, very user friendly, and ensures business continuity while keeping our employees safe. It can definitely be a valuable solution to any company that needs to provide quick secure remote access to their employees."

Massimiliano Varutti
Information Systems and e-government Service, Regione Autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia

"Parallels RAS enables us to deploy our business applications at a global scale with minimal management required."

Mick McMann
IT Manager, CCL Design Electronics

"With RAS, it’s just easier to manage and maintain."

Mark Gould
Chief Technology Officer, Spindlemedia

"High-quality cross-platform support is the #1 benefit of the switch from Citrix to Parallels RAS. Now we can efficiently deliver desktops and applications to Linux, Macintosh, and Windows devices with ease."

Todd Zacharia
Manager IT Network Systems
W.S. Badcock Corp.

Discover what other customers are saying about their experiences with Parallels RAS.

Parallels Tech Bytes - Parallels RAS

Learn about Parallels RAS features and capabilities with our short how-to and feature highlight video series!

Parallels Tech Bytes - Parallels RAS

Are you ready to try Parallels RAS?

Are you a Parallels RAS partner? Visit the Partner Portal.

Scalable, flexible architecture

What is Parallels RAS, and what are the key elements of its fundamental architecture setup? Additionally, what are the basic steps for deploying Parallels RAS?

Benefits of Parallels RAS architecture

Building better solutions, together

Parallels has partnered with an extended network of renowned technology partners for over two decades to deliver the best solutions on the market.

Simple licensing. No hidden fees.

Talk to one of our experts to discuss solutions, schedule a demo, or request a quote.

We’re here to help.

30-day trial

Start deploying your applications and desktops today with our full-featured trial for on-premises, Microsoft Azure or AWS.

Most popular
1-Year Subscription
Per concurrent user, minimum 15 users.

Priced for teams of all sizes. Enable user to access line of business applications from any device, 24/7.

All subscriptions come with 24/7 remote support.

Frequently asked questions

What does Parallels RAS integrate with?

It can integrate with all major hypervisors (VMware ESX, Microsoft Hyper-V, Scale, Nutanix, or other popular options) as well as Cloud service providers like Microsoft Azure, Azure Virtual Desktop and Amazon Web Services EC2.

How does Parallels Work?

Parallels RAS is a virtual application and desktop delivery solution that centralizes applications and desktops on a server or cloud infrastructure, allowing users to securely access them from various devices. It offers robust user authentication, load balancing, and encryption for data security, providing a seamless and responsive remote access experience. Administrators can efficiently manage access, monitor performance, and ensure compliance, making Parallels RAS a versatile tool for organizations seeking to provide remote access to their Windows applications and desktops.

How much does Parallels RAS cost?

Parallels RAS costs per concurrent license user, with a minimum of 15 concurrent users.

What type of support can I expect with Parallels RAS?

We provide phone, email and remote support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our global support staff have years of experience supporting virtual infrastructure products in real-world customer environments. We are committed to delivering the best support service experience.

What does the all-inclusive single license model incorporate?

Parallels®’ RAS single license model provides access to all capabilities, providing enterprise-range features such as application and desktop delivery with remote PC, RDSH and VDI, load balancing, multi-cloud ready, monitoring and reporting, FIPS 140-2 encryptions, and 24/7 customer support. It includes online licensing management, access to knowledge base and training materials.

As an all-in-one solution, Parallels RAS eliminates the complexity of evaluating which license best suits your business needs today and your future expansion plans.

What is the concurrent user model?

Parallels RAS uses concurrent-user licensing. Under this licensing model, Parallels RAS only counts the total number of users who connect to it at the same time. Any number of such connections to Parallels RAS can occur as long as the number of users simultaneously accessing Parallels RAS does not exceed the number of available licenses. Concurrent licensing is easier to administer as IT departments do not have to monitor usage as closely in comparison to named-user licensing. An entire team can be empowered with only the number of licenses that are expected to be in use simultaneously—they will not require a license for every user as is the case with named users. So, for example, an organization that has 200 employees who work two different shifts may opt to buy 100 licenses for all those employees. This means that all 200 employees will have access to Parallels RAS as concurrent users, such that 100 of them can connect during the first shift and the other 100 can connect during the second shift.

How does a prepaid subscription work?

Licensing Parallels RAS with a prepaid subscription allows you to upgrade to a newer version whenever one is released.

What is the Service Provider License Agreement (SPLA)?

The Parallels RAS SPLA model is targeted to Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) who are already part of the Microsoft Service Provider License Agreement (SPLA) Program.

What is sub-licensing?

By supporting sublicensing, Parallels RAS allows organizations to manage multiple independent keys while retaining centralized consumption information. Sublicenses allow an organization/service provider, for example, to provide company subsidiaries/customers with a Parallels RAS license for the number of users needed, and the license can be managed at any time. You can also use a sublicense for the activation of a test farm. A sublicense has its own license key used for activation and its own expiration date.