Parallels Remote Application Server 18, coming out in December this year, will significantly expand the capabilities of IT administrators and geographically dispersed users through integration with a single virtual Windows desktop.
Parallels RAS is a virtual desktop and application delivery platform that provides access to a workplace from any device from anywhere in the world.
Parallels RAS 18 integrates FSLogix Industry Profile Containers for more reliable and better management of user profiles and advanced session metrics. Additionally, the new version will improve the performance of the Web client through the use of modern codecs and a new web management portal.
When developing their solution, the Parallels development team focused primarily on creating an Easy-to-Deploy, Easy-to-Maintain solution - a simple, reliable and inexpensive product for a wide range of users.
Despite the ease and simplicity of use, RAS is a serious product that is not inferior in functionality to similar solutions. The program combines the capabilities of VDI and application publishing and is aimed at the small and medium-sized business segment.
Parallels RAS 18 Console gives IT administrators the ability to manage workloads, extending the Windows virtual desktop by integrating the management of all resources from a single center.
Benefits of managing and deploying both Windows virtual desktops and existing applications and desktops on Parallels RAS 18
Single dashboard : Manage deployments and tasks from a centralized Parallels RAS console.
Manageability : Effectively administer Parallels RAS and Windows virtual desktop environments, users, sessions, and processes with advanced metrics, and comprehensive management capabilities.
Automation : Easily automate and streamline administrative procedures with a range of automation tools.
Flexibility : Deploy applications and desktops in hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
Autoscale : Scale Azure and on-premises infrastructures up or down based on demand.
Outdated applications: Maintain and deliver legacy applications alongside new Windows virtual desktop workloads.
Expanded Functionality : Access to advanced features such as super-fast login with pre-launch session, Drag & Drop functionality, optimized local file access, and versatile printing and scanning.
FSLogix Container Support : Parallels RAS 18 allows you to integrate, configure, and maintain FSLogix Profile Containers from the Parallels RAS Console or the newly available web management portal.
Benefits of using FSLogix Profile Containers include :
- Reduced time to log in and log out
- Reduced traffic and processing load on file servers;
- Centralized profile management and data storage management;
- Additional user session metrics.
Parallels RAS 18 includes built-in automatic optimization capabilities for RD Session Host, VDI, or Windows workloads.
Over 130 different preconfigured optimizations for multisession (such as remote desktop session hosts) or single session (such as VDI) hosts are available for administrators to select manually or automatically, depending on user use cases and server type, to provide higher terminal session densities users and the number of VDI nodes hosted on virtualization servers.
It is also possible for the administrator to run his own script for configuring the terminal server or virtual machine template that will be deployed on the computers of the Parallels RAS workload.
This means that administrators can:
- Optimize workloads in preparation for virtual and desktop deployments;
- Ensure better use of hardware resources;
- Reduce hardware costs and storage requirements;
- Increase user density and improve user experience with faster boot, login and cloning times;
- Provide a better overall user experience;
- Reduce infrastructure costs;
Parallels RAS 18 provides a more cost-effective method of using local storage than more expensive storage area network (SAN) solutions.
Parallels RAS 18 allows customers to deploy clones from templates used as RD Session Hosts or VDIs, not only to centralized shared storage such as storage area networks (SANs), but also to local drives of multiple independent Microsoft Hyper-V hosts.
The template is distributed to the local storage of specified Microsoft Hyper-V hosts, so that clones can reside in the same local storage. Scaling is also easy by adding other Microsoft Hyper-V providers to the template provider mailing list.
Working with mobile devices
IT administrators need to be more flexible with their remote work requirements, which is why Parallels RAS 18 introduces Parallels RAS Management Portal, a modern, web-based advanced configuration and management portal that replaces the Parallels RAS Helpdesk.
The Parallels RAS Management Portal enables administrators with desktop or mobile devices to implement configurations and day-to-day activities, including:
- centralized deployment, management, and configuration of core Parallels RAS components such as RD Session Hosts, Publishing Agents, and secure client gateways;
- Publishing resources from Remote Desktop Session Hosts and monitoring and managing user sessions.
- Additional Parallels RAS 18 Updates.
Availability and prices
Parallels offers a free 30-day, fully functional trial of Parallels RAS 18 with 50 concurrent user licenses.
Detailed product information, pricing, white papers, case studies, and access to fully functional free trials on the site .