Enterprise VDI without enterprise complexity
Parallels RAS (Remote Application Server) delivers virtual desktops and published applications at a price point that actually makes sense for mid-market IT teams. Where Citrix charges a premium for complexity, Parallels RAS gives you a single-server deployment model, an intuitive management console, and full support for Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, and Chromebook — all from one license. It's the intelligent Citrix alternative.
Parallels RAS is a comprehensive virtual application and desktop delivery solution built for organizations that need enterprise-grade functionality without enterprise-level overhead. Originally known as 2X Software before being acquired by Corel/Alludo, Parallels RAS has matured into a serious player in the VDI/DaaS space — particularly for SMBs, MSPs, education institutions, and mid-enterprise organizations looking to move off aging Remote Desktop Services deployments or replace costly Citrix environments. The platform supports on-premises, cloud (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud), and hybrid deployments through a unified management console, and includes built-in load balancing, session persistence, and multi-factor authentication out of the box.
Deployment model: On-Premises, Cloud, Hybrid. Pricing model: Subscription per concurrent user. Typical price range: $99–$149/user/year (concurrent). Pricing is negotiable at volume — Compare Select benchmarks quotes against real transacted deals before you sign.
Deploy on Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, or your own data center. Switch between deployment models without re-architecting your environment.
Native clients for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Chromebook. HTML5 browser access requires zero endpoint installation.
Intelligent session load balancing and high-availability failover are included — no additional licenses or third-party tools required.
Deep AVD integration lets you extend existing Parallels RAS farms to Microsoft's cloud with centralized management across both environments.
Real-time dashboards, session reporting, and audit logs give IT teams full visibility into usage, performance, and security events.
Publish individual applications without delivering a full desktop — reducing bandwidth and improving the user experience for task workers.
| Alternative | How it compares |
|---|---|
| Citrix DaaS | Citrix is best for large enterprises requiring HDX protocol graphics performance. Parallels RAS wins on price, simplicity, and faster deployment. |
| Omnissa Horizon | Horizon is deeply tied to vSphere. Parallels RAS is infrastructure-agnostic and works on any hypervisor or cloud. |
| Azure Virtual Desktop | AVD requires deep Azure expertise. Parallels RAS adds a management layer on top of AVD that makes it accessible to any IT team. |
| AWS WorkSpaces | WorkSpaces is AWS-only. Parallels RAS is multi-cloud and on-prem, giving you flexibility without cloud vendor lock-in. |
Parallels RAS licenses on concurrent sessions — not named users. If you have 500 employees but only 200 ever use VDI simultaneously, you license 200. This often reduces cost by 40–60% vs. named-user models. Compare Select will run a usage analysis before you commit.
Yes. Many organizations run Parallels RAS for non-power-users while keeping Citrix for HDX-dependent workloads like CAD or video editing. Compare Select can help you architect this hybrid model.
Parallels RAS runs on top of standard Windows Server RDS, so your existing infrastructure remains intact. You add the RAS management layer and shift management from native RDS tools to the Parallels console. Citrix migrations require more planning around GPO and profile management.
GPU support exists but is limited compared to Citrix HDX 3D Pro or Horizon Blast. For light CAD and some media applications it's sufficient. For heavy rendering, 3D design, or video production, Citrix or Omnissa Horizon is the stronger choice.
Compare Parallels RAS against every alternative in our VDI / DaaS / App Delivery comparison, or browse the full vendor directory. Ready for pricing? Talk to a Compare Select advisor — our guidance is free and vendor-neutral.