Parallels RAS is proving itself as a high-performance, cost-effective alternative to traditional virtualization platforms. Its strength lies in simplicity. With minimal infrastructure overhead and fast deployment through a user-friendly admin console, enterprise IT teams can scale quickly without unnecessary complexity.
Parallels RAS supports intensive workloads including Autodesk, Revit, SolidWorks, and AutoCAD without compromising performance. The key is its seamless integration with GPU resources. If your physical machine or hypervisor supports a dedicated graphics card, Parallels RAS lets your applications tap into it directly. It doesn’t get in the way — it works with what you have. The protocol behind the scenes, RDP, also uses GPUs to optimize compression and decompression of frames, which reduces network strain and improves session responsiveness.
For field engineers, architects, and construction teams, this is a game-changer. Real-time drawing annotations and rendering can now happen in the field with full functionality and minimal lag. That’s why service providers supporting engineering and oil firms are successfully deploying Parallels RAS across their mobile workforces.
Real-World Migration From Citrix and Omnissa Horizon
Migrations often appear more daunting than they are. The reality is that moving from platforms like Citrix or Omnissa Horizon to Parallels RAS is straightforward. While there are scripts available to export data from your old environment, most enterprise IT leaders realize that starting fresh through the admin console is faster and more reliable.
Too many variables, like changed hostnames, IP addresses, new paths, can turn automated migration into a time sink. In contrast, building a new RAS environment from scratch can take as little as an hour. One large-scale example involved over 7,000 Citrix licenses being migrated in just 21 days with zero automation. The infrastructure piece is quick. The real time cost comes from reconfiguring endpoints, informing users, and replacing workspace apps with the Parallels client.
The takeaway: if you’re moving from Citrix or Omnissa Horizon, focus on planning the endpoint transition. The backend setup with Parallels RAS won’t slow you down.
GPU and Video Conferencing Support
Parallels RAS handles GPU usage in two ways. First, it allows your applications to access GPU power directly as long as the underlying infrastructure supports it. Second, it can tap GPU resources to improve RDP session performance, especially for bandwidth optimization.
Video conferencing is more complex. Zoom performs well in hosted sessions thanks to its efficient browser-based plugin. Teams, on the other hand, consumes more bandwidth and system resources. For that reason, it’s best run directly on the endpoint. Parallels RAS supports integration strategies like URL redirection to shift Teams from the hosted session to the endpoint. If users click a meeting link inside a hosted email app, the session can trigger Teams on their local device for a better experience.
Currently, only Citrix and VMware offer full Teams session optimization in the cloud due to exclusive licensing with Microsoft. If your organization relies heavily on Teams and plans to move away from those vendors, this is a key point to consider.
Authentication and Security Considerations
Security and authentication are top priorities for any executive leader. Parallels RAS supports modern authentication methods like smart cards, Windows Hello, and external identity providers. However, how you implement multi-factor authentication tools like Duo or Okta matters.
Authentication tools that interfere with the stack at the wrong point can block RAS components from grabbing necessary credentials. Every organization has a slightly different setup, so it’s important to evaluate exactly how your authentication flow is designed before deployment.
This is where working with an experienced partner like Choice Solutions makes all the difference. They’ve seen it all and can help you identify potential roadblocks before they affect your rollout.
Enterprise-Grade Printing Compatibility
Printer configuration often causes surprises in virtual environments. With Parallels RAS, modern network and multifunction printers that play well with Windows typically work without issues. Problems usually stem from printer drivers that block system detection or require specific configurations.
Even then, 99 percent of the time the right setup resolves the problem. Whether it’s driver configuration, endpoint setup, or virtual driver alignment, most printer issues can be solved quickly during a trial or pilot phase.
Next Steps for IT Leaders
Parallels RAS offers a leaner, faster, and more flexible approach to virtual applications and desktops. If you’re evaluating your options beyond Citrix, exploring DaaS strategies, or trying to simplify your virtualization stack without compromising security or performance, now’s the time to act.
Contact us today to discuss your environment, ask questions, and see if Parallels RAS is the right fit for your organization.
