However, as technology evolves, so do the demands of modern workers and IT managers. 

In this blog post, I’ll explore the pain points of traditional Microsoft RDS deployments and unveil the top-notch benefits that Parallels RAS brings to the table, revolutionizing the landscape of remote application and virtual desktop delivery.

What is Microsoft RDS?

Since its initial release with Windows Server 2008, Microsoft RDS has been a cornerstone of remote computing, bringing together various server roles like Remote Desktop Session Host, Virtualization Host, Licensing, Connection Broker, and Web Access.

While the original RDS solution has facilitated remote collaboration, it may no longer meet the evolving needs of IT managers and the workforce.

Microsoft RDS: Major pain points

The changing landscape of work styles and practices

Organizations are increasingly embracing adaptable frameworks, enabling employees to operate remotely and in physical offices. This shift towards hybrid and remote work signifies a fundamental change in the traditional workplace and compounds the challenges for RDS business users.

According to the 2023 Parallels hybrid cloud survey, a substantial number of respondents—77%—have embraced a hybrid working model with teams seamlessly transitioning between on-site and remote work.

64% of survey participants have already adopted a hybrid cloud strategy, effectively utilizing both on-premises and cloud infrastructures.

The flexibility it provides is the primary motivation for 49% of respondents to adopt hybrid virtualization technology.

This transformative evolution is propelled by advancements in communication tools, a heightened awareness of the importance of a healthy work-life balance, and the resilience demonstrated in the face of global disruptions. Collectively, these factors prompt a reassessment of conventional work structures.

For RDS environments, the inability to cater to evolving business demands and shifting employee work habits is exacerbated by limited hybrid capabilities.

However, Parallels RAS can help overcome this challenge.

With its support for hybrid deployments and a diverse set of features facilitating work-from-anywhere practices, businesses with RDS environments can move forward and align with the dynamic landscape of modern working habits and practices.

Parallels virtualization solutions

Parallels has been pioneering virtualization solutions for businesses and users around the world since 1999, enabling access to critical data and applications for millions of customers.

Parallels has a range of different solutions that can address the different business and IT needs and complexities of RDS customers.

Parallels RAS (Remote Application Server)

Parallels RAS is a versatile virtual application and desktop delivery solution, enabling secure remote work for organizations of all sizes.

It provides an agile, cloud-ready foundation with end-to-end security and a centralized management console.

Support on-premises, hybrid, or public cloud deployments and seamless integration with platforms like Azure Virtual Desktop and Amazon EC2.

This solution offers flexibility, scalability, and IT agility to swiftly respond to evolving business requirements under a comprehensive, single licensing model that includes 24/7 technical support plus access to free training sessions and other learning materials.

It is a delivery solution.

It’s not the hypervisor, but we support many different hypervisors, including VMware ESX, Microsoft Hyper-V, Scale, Nutanix, and other popular options.

Parallels RAS is not the content host or the “back end,” though we offer the flexibility to connect to various infrastructure types.

Parallels RAS is the delivery management and customer experience side of a virtual desktop infrastructure. It sits on the hypervisor between the end user and the content, servers, and the back-end VDI solution.

Introducing Parallels RAS, your RDS alternative!

Parallels RAS can not only deliver on the same core use cases that lead many customers to opt for an RDS environment in the first place but also mitigate the typical pain points many customers are currently dealing with.

More choices for hybrid and migration

RDS offers limited support for remote working practices and phase-out migration plans like moving to a cloud environment.

However, Parallels RAS supports on-premises, cloud and multi-cloud, hybrid, and native support for cloud technologies like Azure Virtual Desktop.

All infrastructure is deployed and managed directly within the administration portal, offering a much-improved administration experience working with multiple environments.

Simplified setup and configuration

Unlike RDS, which introduces complexity to the process of setting up and configuring an RDS environment, Parallels RAS offers a streamlined and user-friendly experience.

Thanks to its intuitive management console, wizard-based guides, and extensive automation features, the entire process of setting up, configuring, and managing your environment becomes exceptionally straightforward.

This simplicity not only saves valuable IT administration hours but also eliminates the need for costly training sessions.

Fortified security

As an aging technology, RDS demands intricate configuration to meet modern cybersecurity standards, yet there are instances where this alone may not suffice.

In contrast, Parallels RAS excels in enhancing security throughout crucial phases of application and desktop delivery.

For instance, it employs cutting-edge TLS 1.3 security protocols that ensure robust protection. Moreover, Parallels RAS extends security measures to end users through multi-factor Authentication (MFA).

The inclusion of thorough auditing, user monitoring, and forensics adds a layer of detailed security analytics that sets Parallels RAS apart in the cybersecurity realm.

Rich innovation

Ineffectual solutions that fail to align with your evolving needs can significantly hinder productivity, a common challenge faced by numerous RDS users.

Parallels RAS addresses this issue by prioritizing innovation in areas of security, flexibility, user experience, and cost optimization. Noteworthy capabilities include autoscaling to empower IT admins to efficiently manage costs, especially in cloud-based environments like Azure Virtual Desktop.

Furthermore, features like FSLogix profile and container management and image templating effectively enhance user profile and image management with Parallels RAS.

Maximizing user experience

Limiting features designed to support workforce productivity can have a significant impact on the user experience—something that current RDS users are likely familiar with.

Fortunately, Parallels RAS supports a range of features to help increase productivity and improve the experience of end user professionals. Features like universal printing, AI-driven session prelaunch, and accelerated file redirection are all aimed at boosting productivity and efficiency within a work-from-anywhere strategy.

Parallels RAS supports a broad spectrum of endpoint choices, with client support for Windows OS, MacOS, and even a dedicated Parallels client for web. The Parallels client enhances user experience with modern and intuitive UI design, featuring customizable options including light/dark settings to allow users to adjust their environment to suit their needs and ultimately work more productively.

Parallels RAS is designed for today’s use cases

Parallels solutions are crafted to address the diverse challenges RDS customers encounter, catering to their specific circumstances and requirements.

Ready to try Parallels RAS for yourself? Get your full-featured free trial here and start your journey towards an improved RDS environment.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, the traditional office setup has undergone a remarkable transformation.

With the ascent of mobile work environments, employees are breaking free from the constraints of conventional office spaces.

Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a pivotal technology driving this shift.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global DaaS market reached a substantial $6,219.5 million in 2022, and projections indicate a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.50% from 2023 to 2030.

Understanding Desktop as a Service (DaaS)

DaaS is a comprehensive virtual desktop solution hosted by third-party providers, such as Parallels DaaS, in a cloud environment.

This innovative service allows businesses to access virtual machines (VMs) running desktop operating systems through a subscription model. The provider manages the intricate Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), enabling users to connect to their desktops seamlessly from any device with internet connectivity.

The economic impact of DaaS

Deploying DaaS brings forth several compelling advantages, aligning with the evolving needs of modern businesses.

One notable benefit is the significant reduction in the total cost of ownership. Like many cloud services, DaaS shifts capital expenditures (CAPEX) to operating expenses (OPEX), freeing up valuable funds for growth.

The “pay-as-you-go” pricing model ensures precise spending on utilized workloads, eliminating costs associated with underutilized resources.

DaaS and security: A robust combination

DaaS not only reshapes the economic landscape but also addresses critical security concerns.

By shifting security risks away from numerous endpoints to a centralized and managed data center, DaaS enhances the overall security posture.

Eliminating corporate data storage on individual devices minimizes the security burden of lost or stolen devices. Encryption mechanisms and regular backups further fortify the security framework, offering a comprehensive defense against potential threats.

Empowering scalability with DaaS

Scalability emerges as another key advantage in the DaaS model.

The “as-needed” addition of endpoints becomes seamless, which is especially beneficial for provisioning resources to temporary project teams or contractors. This agile scalability eliminates the need for substantial hardware procurement, providing a cost-effective solution for organizations facing fluctuating resource requirements.

Streamlining management complexity

Simplified management is a hallmark of DaaS and this characteristic is particularly valuable for organizations with large, dispersed workforces.

The challenges of managing and supporting diverse endpoints are addressed efficiently as DaaS operates with a single central image. This approach streamlines updates and patches, minimizing the tedious and costly processes of maintaining disparate endpoint configurations.

Unleashing the power of mobility

DaaS introduces a paradigm shift in employee mobility.

Employees gain unprecedented flexibility and freedom by offering virtual desktops and apps in the cloud.

Anytime, anywhere access to resources ensures enhanced productivity, empowering employees to accomplish tasks and be seamlessly productive from various locations and devices.

Less reliance on IT administrators

Managing IT infrastructures and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) traditionally demands a skilled IT administrator team. DaaS, however, minimizes VDI management challenges, allowing organizations to focus on their bottom line.

Businesses can streamline operations with reduced reliance on IT administrators, optimizing efficiency and resource allocation.

DaaS adoption across company size and type

Many companies are increasingly transitioning to the DaaS model due to the benefits covered above.

Below are a few examples of the types of companies that can significantly benefit from DaaS offerings:

• Startups

Startups often need to invest heavily in research and development (R&D) and customer acquisition initiatives. By leveraging DaaS and minimizing the need to purchase servers, software, and other services, startup companies can free up resources for critical business activities. This strategic approach ensures efficient utilization of funds.

• Companies with a mobile and remote workforce

Businesses with mobile and remote workforces face many security challenges which DaaS addresses. By ensuring that data never leaves cloud servers, even when employees use their personal or preferred devices, DaaS becomes an excellent option for mitigating security issues in remote working environments.

• Project-based companies

Companies engaged in project-based work, particularly those with seasonal projects and varying staffing needs, can benefit from the on-demand scalability of DaaS. Quick provisioning or de-provisioning of virtual desktops aligns seamlessly with the dynamic demands of project-based businesses.

Embracing a productive future with DaaS

In conclusion, Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a transformative solution applicable to businesses of all sizes and industries.

Its myriad benefits like cost reduction, improved cybersecurity, heightened productivity, and simplified management combine to position DaaS as an invaluable asset for companies navigating the demands of the modern business landscape.

By embracing DaaS, businesses empower employees with the flexibility and mobility necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic and evolving work environments.

Parallels DaaS allows you to unlock your organization’s full potential with a cutting-edge DaaS solution that delivers seamless, secure, and flexible application and desktop experiences from the cloud.

The solution offers users instant access to their virtual applications and desktop environments. As a vendor-assembled and managed solution, it features a cloud-hosted control plane that enables secure remote access to your business applications, desktops, and data from any internet-connected device.

The quick and easy onboarding process allows immediate access to applications and desktops from any device. It removes the complexity surrounding user onboarding and managing users and applications, allowing even small businesses to deliver and use enterprise-grade IT solutions.

Due to its unique architecture of having access points closer to where data and users reside, Parallels DaaS promises the best performance for end-users, with transparent operations for administrators. Ready to fully harness the benefits of cloud computing and embrace a more productive future? Take a look at Parallels DaaS now.

Apache Guacamole and Parallels Secure Workspace offer a built-in RDP to HTML5 gateway, so it is no wonder these two solutions are often compared. In this blog post, I’ll examine what Guacamole is and how it compares to Parallels Secure Workspace.

Want to see how real users rate Parallels Secure Workspace and Apache Guacamole? Check our reviews on TrustRadius.

What is Apache Guacamole?

Apache Guacamole, a client-less remote desktop gateway, supports standard protocols like VNC, RDP, and SSH.

It is considered clientless because Guacamole delivers apps or desktops via HTML5 once installed on the back end. A free, open-source platform, Apache Guacamole is maintained by the Apache community.

Guacamole is a free, open-source tool with a nice fan base that includes individual users, businesses, and software companies. The latter groups may embed Guacamole in their products including VPNs and firewalls.

Does Parallels Secure Workspace rely on Guacamole?

For starters, I’ll be clear about this: Parallels Secure Workspace does not use (or build on or rely on) Apache Guacamole. The solution has its own proprietary HTML5 gateway. I frequently hear the false claim that Parallels Secure Workspace uses this open-source tool, and while this is true for several competitors in our space, it is certainly not true for our solution.

Is Parallels Secure Workspace an open-source tool like Guacamole?

No, Parallels Secure Workspace is not free nor is it an open-source tool. Rather, Parallels Secure Workspace is a commercial product. Accordingly, we provide support that includes detailed product documentation, technical support and training, commercial models for our channel partners, and more.

That’s the first big difference between Parallels Secure Workspace and the Apache product. Who will you call when you have a problem with Guacamole? What happens when security vulnerabilities are identified? And so on. Moreover, our product roadmap is very security and Zero Trust focused, with capabilities like MFA, SSL, context awareness, usage auditing, and more.

On the other hand, Apache Guacamole was hit by a severe vulnerability in July 2020. Since then, five other CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and exposures) have been identified and reported fixed.

We have a broad channel ecosystem of certified engineers that extends globally. We also have a set of tested technology partnerships that extend and complement our perimeter.

The similarities and differences between Apache Guacamole and Parallels Secure Workspace

There are also some obvious (and less obvious) differences from the technology perspective. Parallels Secure Workspace was built with simplicity in mind. It is easy to deploy and work with for both Windows and Linux admins (the latter of which are often familiar with the open-source community and likely to be familiar with Guacamole)

Now, let’s take a deeper look into the architecture and features of both solutions:

What are the similarities between Apache Guacamole and Parallels Secure Workspace?

HTML5 gateway and protocols supported:

Guacamole supports SSH, VNC, and RDP. Parallels Secure Workspace supports RDP.

However, Parallels Secure Workspace also supports WebDAV and CiFS. Parallels Secure Workspace’s built-in reverse proxy supports web applications.

Similar features for published applications:

• HMTL5 access (browser-based)
• Virtual keyboard
• Virtual (PDF) printer
• Session sharing and session recording
• MFA TOTP built-in, including support for RADIUS

Identical restrictions for certain applications:

Neither Guacamole nor Parallels Secure Workspace were designed for graphic-intensive applications like 3D rendering, video, or running video/voice calls.

What are the differences between Parallels Secure Workspace and Apache Guacamole?

File Server Access

Parallels Secure Workspace includes access to file servers via WebDAV or CIFS via the files section. Parallels Secure Workspace files can be opened with associated published applications.

One can also share large and small files without the need to upload the file(s) elsewhere with Parallels Secure Workspace (e.g., into a third-party cloud like WeTransfer)

Built-in reverse proxy

Parallels Secure Workspace features a built-in reverse proxy that provides access to internal web applications without needing RDP or remote desktop services.

UX

Look at Parallels Secure Workspace’s intuitiveness and user-friendly look and feel, and you be the judge.

The front-end workspace is very intuitive. You can access files, various applications, and desktops easily.

Multi-monitor capabilities

The multi-monitor capabilities are better developed with multiple options available in Parallels Secure Workspace.

Smart card support (in-app usage)

Parallels Secure Workspace can support the use of smart cards (e.g., eID cards) within applications (e.g. reading an eID card’s info) with its RAH (Remote Application Helper).

The RAH is the only exception to the TML5-centric story. The RAH agent must be installed on the local computers (Windows, MacOS, or Linux). In-app usage is not supported by the free Apache tool.

Otherwise, you don’t need to install other plugins or clients to work with Parallels Secure Workspace!

Security and compliance

Parallels Secure Workspace offers exciting capabilities that make your data even more secure:

• Built-in Context Awareness capabilities based on location or IP address as context access can be turned off for a user (group), giving admins extra control and capabilities.
• Built-in usage audit and anomaly detection that can be connected to an SIEM.
• Single Sign-On (SSO) with SAML or OpenID Connect without sending passwords to the Parallels Secure Workspace appliance.
• Guacamole supports SSO but uses password caching — so I believe the Parallels Secure Workspace setup is more secure.
• SSL encryption is built-in.
• No local data.

Here’s an overview of the Zero Trust capabilities of Parallels Secure Workspace:

Architecture

There are also some key differences from an architecture perspective:

Parallels Secure Workspace is delivered as a virtual appliance for simplicity and speed of deployment. Apache Guacamole requires installing multiple services or multiple docker containers, which need to be linked.

Guacamole leverages an internal translation protocol (RDP Guacamole protocol HTML5), while Parallels Secure Workspace does not use an internal protocol, which makes Parallels Secure Workspace a better, more resource-optimized HTML5 gateway.

Parallels Secure Workspace can enable HA (High Availability), so in a multi-node deployment, it can fail over between nodes if issues arise.

Parallels Secure Workspace is a multi-tenancy solution right out of the box.

The architecture is simple and non-intrusive.

Parallels Secure Workspace vs Apache Guacamole

When comparing Apache Guacamole to Parallels Secure Workspace, we see a lot of similarities, but there are also many differences.

Based on my knowledge of Apache Guacamole —which might not be complete, and I don’t pretend to be a Guacamole expert —this blog post provides a deeper look into the elements our customers are most concerned with.

Interested in making the comparison yourself? Try Parallels Secure Workspace in your environment — download it now.

A multi-cloud approach can help enhance performance and optimize costs by allowing MSPs to select the best cloud platform to deliver solutions their clients need and avoid vendor lock-in. This fosters growth and enables MSPs to navigate a challenging environment more effectively as the managed service provider industry shifts and evolves.

MSPs face a myriad of technical challenges while navigating multi-cloud environments. These challenges span from managing and administrating multiple environments to addressing technical skill gaps, impacting the operational efficiency of MSPs in delivering their services.

See how Parallels RAS can help your MSP adopt an effective multi-cloud strategy and more!

The Benefits of integrated multi-cloud for MSPs

Empowering service delivery

1. Enhancing service offerings. Integrating multi-cloud environments allows MSPs to cherry-pick the best-of-breed capabilities from different cloud providers, enhancing their end-to-end managed services.

2. Cost optimization. Multi-cloud setups enable dynamic load balancing across different providers based on pricing and workload demands. MSPs can shift workloads to a cloud provider with the most cost-effective pricing.

3. Flexibility and scalability. By harnessing a multi-cloud approach, MSPs can boost agility and scalability as per customer requirements. Multi-cloud solutions can maximize resources by spreading workloads across platforms and minimizing the risk of service disruptions and improving overall reliability.

4. Compliance and security. Compliance requirements play a vital role in the choice of vendors, as different cloud providers may offer specific certifications or regulatory requirements catering to a range of client needs. Moreover, multi-cloud environments improve cybersecurity by diversifying risk across multiple platforms, mitigating the impact of potential breaches or downtime while meeting various customers’ security requirements for different types of data.

The complexities of multi-cloud environments

1. Differentiation of cloud services. Variations in interfaces, tools, and functionalities across cloud providers create hurdles in achieving seamless communication across multi-cloud platforms. These complexities intensify when integrating or synchronizing data and applications across multiple cloud environments for multiple organizations.

2. Management and automation. Managing workflows and automation processes across various clouds can be challenging. MSPs often require monitoring and optimization tools to effectively manage deployments, resources, and configurations.

3. Cost optimization. Managing costs across multi-cloud environments poses a significant challenge for MSPs. Different cloud providers have varying pricing structures, making estimating and managing expenses a complex challenge. The management and allocation of customer billing processes across multiple organizations adds an additional layer of complexity.

4. Technical efforts for setup and operation. The deployment and operation of cloud architectures demand substantial technical resources, both in terms of time and cost. Developing the technical skills to maneuver and manage across different clouds amplifies this challenge, impacting the ability of MSPs to provide cost-effective and comprehensive multi-vendor solutions.

Parallels RAS: Addressing Multi-cloud challenges for MSPs

Parallels RAS emerges as a pivotal tool for MSPs seeking to overcome the issues of multi-cloud environments, streamline operations, and mitigate complexities for managing multi-cloud setups, simplifying administration by enabling centralized management.

Parallels RAS can be deployed across multiple public clouds including AWS and Azure and in on-premises data centers, all managed from one single admin console or single pane of glass.

1. Simplified integration. Parallels RAS offers a unified interface, streamlining the integration of disparate cloud infrastructure services. A single management console minimizes the efforts required by MSPs for deployment, management, and administration, particularly in multi-vendor environments. All of this is made easier through a single license model, without the need for additional complex add-ons.

2. Technical skills and training. Parallels RAS minimizes the demand for specialized cloud-specific technical skills. Its user-friendly interface empowers MSPs to efficiently manage multi-cloud environments without extensive upskilling, retraining, or hiring efforts. What’s more, Parallels RAS includes technical training free of charge for all partners, reducing technical barriers and facilitating smoother integration and operation.

3. Facilitating transition. Parallels RAS aids in the transition from single-cloud to integrated multi-cloud setups. Its capabilities enable seamless migration of workloads and services, crucial for MSPs wanting to adopt a multi-cloud approach or switch vendors, avoiding vendor lock-ins.

4. Increased security. Parallels RAS adds to the security advantages of centrally managed published resources with extra layers of protection such as 2FA/MFA and smart card access, client policies, and granular filtering.

As managed service providers look to multi-cloud deployments and solutions, Parallels RAS emerges as a critical partner, empowering MSPs to overcome technical barriers and deliver seamless, value-driven services within multi-cloud environments. Discover how Parallels can empower your MSP!