How to Create a Parallels RAS Template

How to Create a Parallels RAS Template 

Parallels RAS can automatically generate and deploy two types of templates on demand using configurable RAS Templates: one for VDI desktops and another one for RD session hosts. This allows administrators to create and deploy guest virtual machines on the fly, saving a great deal of time. Follow these steps to deploy a RAS Template using Parallels RAS. 

1. RAS Template to deploy RD session hosts automatically on demand 

First, open the Parallels RAS Console and click on the Farm category on the left-hand side of the console. Then navigate to VDI > RAS Templates. Click on the top right-hand side “+” button and select the Virtual Guest you would like to use. Click the “OK” button. 

 RDSH Template

 

For this tutorial we will use a Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Edition hosted on Microsoft Hyper-V. 

 RDSH Template

 

Next, select the RD session host option and click “Next >”. 

 RDSH Template

 

The Parallels RAS Console will check the Guest Agent settings to verify they are installed. If the RDSH and RAS Guest Agents roles are installed, click “Next >”; otherwise click “Install…” to continue. 

 RDSH Template

 

Enter all the properties for the RAS Template Wizard. The clone method chosen for this scenario is the “linked clone” option. Once you have filled in all of the properties, click “Next > . 

  RDSH Template

 

Next, we need to choose how many RD session hosts we want to always have available and when to delete unused guest VMs if needed. Click “Next >” to continue. 

 RDSH Template

 

Choose the folder where the guests will be created. You can click on the “  button on the right-hand side for a more visual representation. Once you have selected the folder, click “Next > to continue. 

 RDSH Template

 

For this scenario, we will be using RASprep, which is a lighter version of Microsoft Sysprep. Enter all the required details for the preparation of the guest. Also select the Target Organizational Unit by clicking on the “” button. Once you have inputed all of the information, click “Next >”. 

 RDSH Template

 

Now select the License Key Management type you would like to use. We will be using Key Management Service (KMS) in this guide. Click “Next >” to continue. 

 RDSH Template

 

Finally, an overview of all of the settings and configurations set throughout this wizard will be shown. You can select “Launch Parallels Test Template Wizard to launch upon completion. This wizard automates VM testing and VM deployment to ensure the template works smoothly. 

 RDSH Template

 

Once the Parallels RAS Test Template Wizard is complete, the new RAS Template will be shown under the RAS Templates tab in the VDI section of the Farm category. You can now right-click on the template to see the options available. 

 RDSH Template

Congratulations, you have successfully created a RAS Template for RD Session Hosts! 

 

2. RAS Template to deploy VDI desktops automatically on demand 

 

First, open the Parallels RAS console and click on the Farm category on the left-hand side of the console. Then navigate to VDI > RAS Templates. Click on the top right-hand side “+” button and select the Virtual Guest you would like to use. Click the “OK” button. 

 VDI Template

 

For this tutorial, we will use a Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Edition hosted on Microsoft Hyper-V. 

 VDI Template

 

Next, select the Virtual desktop option and click “Next >”. 

 VDI Template

 

The Parallels RAS Console will check the Guest Agent settings to verify they are installed. If the RAS Guest Agents role is installed, click “Next >”; otherwise click “Install…” to continue. 

 VDI Template

 

Enter all the properties for the RAS Template Wizard. The clone method chosen for this scenario is the “linked clone” option. Once you have filled in all of the properties, click “Next >. 

 VDI Template

 

Next, we need to choose how many VDI desktops we want to always have available and when to delete unused guest VMs if needed. Click “Next >” to continue. 

 VDI Template

 

Choose the folder where the guests will be created. You can click on the “  button on the right-hand side for a more visual representation. Once you have selected the folder, click “Next > to continue. 

 VDI Template

For this scenario, we will be using RASprep, which is a lighter version of Microsoft Sysprep. Enter all the required details for the preparation of the guest. Also select the Target Organizational Unit by clicking on the “” button. Once you have inserted all of the information, click “Next >”. 

 VDI Template

 

Now select the License Key Management type you would like to use. We will be using Key Management Service (KMS) in this guide. Click “Next >” to continue. 

 VDI Template

 

Finally, an overview of all of the settings and configurations set throughout this wizard will be shown. You can select “Launch Parallels Test Template Wizard to launch upon completion. This wizard automates VM testing and VM deployment to ensure the template works smoothly. 

 VDI Template

 

Once the Parallels RAS Test Template Wizard is complete, the new RAS Template will be shown under the RAS Templates tab in the VDI section of the Farm category. You can now right-click on the template to see the options available. 

 VDI Template

Congratulations, you have successfully created a RAS Template for VDI desktops!