Parallels has launched Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) version 16 at Microsoft’s Inspire conference in Washington D.C.
New features include PowerShell API, white labelling for managed service providers (MSPs) and independent software vendors (ISVs), Touch ID for iOS client, linked clones for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), Turbo.net integration for an easy way to manage multiple application versions, support for Nutanix Acropolis hypervisor, use of Microsoft Windows Server for VDI deployments for MSPs with Microsoft Services Providers Licensing Agreements (SPLA), and more.
Parallels RAS 16 also features enhanced support for use of native iOS and Android touch gestures for remote applications – including in-house and legacy apps. Quick Keypad capability enables customers to define application shortcuts to significantly speed up access to most common functionality.
Additional enhancements include Swiftpoint GT Bluetooth mouse support, printing, file transfer support for HTML5 and Chrome clients, scalability, and smart sizing for applications and desktops. The Linux client now also supports microphone and camera redirection which allows use of Skype and similar apps from Linux thin-clients.
“Traditional application delivery and VDI solutions are complex and expensive for SMEs and MSPs, and result in low profitability or ROI,” said Jack Zubarev, Parallels president. “For MSPs, ISVs and businesses with 100 to 5,000+ employees, Parallels RAS significantly simplifies and enhances the IT admin and end user experience, enabling fast and scalable implementation and no-hassle management of remote applications and desktops for employees and customers. It provides a cloud-ready all-inclusive solution at significantly lower costs than alternatives.”
Australia’s Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) – the peak body for health and wellbeing of aboriginals living in Victoria – is one organisation in Asia Pacific tapping on the power of Parallels RAS to modernize its IT infrastructure while reducing cost and complexity.
Working with its partner Evolve IT Australia– an IT services partner based in Melbourne – VACCHO has rolled out Parallels RAS to more than 100 end-users in less than two months, enabling employees to access the data and apps they need wherever they go, on any device they choose. Data is secured on a central server and encrypted connections keep it locked down from external threats. VACCHO is also assured that future growth can be scaled smoothly, and seeks to work with its Members and extend Parallels RAS across to over 1,500 employees in the future.
“An aging infrastructure running unsupported versions of software not only lowered staff productivity, it also made us more susceptible to rising modern threats like ransomware,” said Eddie Gibbons, Director, Business Services, VACCHO. With Parallels RAS, the team at Evolve IT helped us to extend the serviceable life of these older infrastructure environments, allowing us to access a modern supported hosted environment without the cost and complexity of immediately procuring all new physical equipment.”
Parallels RAS supports application containers, with the integration of Turbo.net, enabling customers to easily manage and deliver different versions of applications to employees. It also integrates with the new Microsoft Azure-based deployment options and includes improvements in VDI and hyper-converged use cases.
Delivery of full or linked-clone based desktops with Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix XenServer and VMware ESXi or hyper-converged solutions – such as Nutanix, HPE and Lenovo – is now supported. KVM-based VDI is also supported using Nutanix Acropolis hypervisor.
Parallels RAS recently launched an enhanced Parallels Partner Program specifically designed for MSPs and ISVs specialising in remote Application and VDI services. It provides them with usage-based pricing, waterfall discounts, and a host of free resources to help them succeed.