Citrix XenApp Licensing versus Parallels RAS Licensing

Citrix XenApp Licensing: Reduced hardware requirements, simplified desktop management, and mobility solutions are the three important aspects that make desktop virtualization inevitable for most businesses.

According to a research report published by MarketsandMarkets on 2017, the desktop virtualization market is expected to reach USD 13.45 billion by 2022, seeing a staggering growth of 11.4%. Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktop (formerly Citrix XenDesktop) and Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly Citrix XenApp) from Citrix are popular broker connection platforms. Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly Citrix XenApp) provides secure access to desktops and apps. It delivers apps to several devices and provides support for end-users over remote networks.

The Limitations of Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly Citrix XenApp)

The cloud-powered Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly Citrix XenApp) allows you to publish applications to a wide range of devices without having to install anything. It is highly scalable and delivers powerful virtualization networks. However, it comes with certain limitations.

First, configuration and deployment of the VDI network are not easy, meaning you need a certified professional. Load balancing, as well as local printing and scanning, are not installed by default—additional configuration is required to activate these options. Moreover, application compatibility becomes an issue when Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly Citrix XenApp) is updated, so an organization is forced into purchasing not only an update but also new office software.

Second, there is no dedicated support for Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly Citrix XenApp) users. Users are directed to XenDesktop Platinum and Enterprise editions support. With complex configuration and limited technical support, Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly Citrix XenApp) users have a tough time managing VDI networks.

Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly Citrix XenApp) Licensing

Citrix XenApp Licensing Third, the licensing cost of Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly Citrix XenApp) is a concern. Other virtualization software (such as Parallels RAS) is available at a fraction of their pricing. There is also no option to upgrade from one level of Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly Citrix XenApp) to another: a Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly Citrix XenApp) advanced user who wants to upgrade to Enterprise level has to purchase it as a new user. Parallels RAS on the other hand, offers a simpler, single licensing model where all features are included.

How Does Parallels RAS Outpower Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly Citrix XenApp)?

Parallels RAS is a comprehensive platform that enables you to manage your entire infrastructure easily and effectively. A big advantage of Parallels RAS is that it is easy to deploy and manage, requiring no complex configurations. By following the step-by-step Wizard, you can get the software up and running in five minutes. Important features such as load balancing are auto-configured. You can easily set up printer and scanner redirection to use local equipment. It supports all major hypervisors, devices, platforms, and operating systems.

With just one licensing package, you can enjoy the full potential of the software. In fact, Parallels RAS is the only virtualization platform that offers advanced features in the standard edition. Parallels RAS also provides a higher level of technical support.

Simply put, Parallels RAS leverages your existing infrastructure, while making it easy for you to monitor and manage at cost-effective prices.

Parallels RAS makes the migration process easier with a free migration tool that automates most of Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly Citrix XenApp) use case scenarios. The migration tool extracts settings from Citrix XenApp 6.x into a file that can be imported from Parallels RAS Console.

Download Citrix Migration Tool

References

Virtualization Statistics: Server Saturation | https://www.cioinsight.com/it-strategy/cloud-virtualization/slideshows/useful-virtualization-stats-trends-and-practices.html

Citrix XenApp | https://searchvirtualdesktop.techtarget.com/definition/Citrix-XenApp

Resolving common Citrix issues | https://ardamis.com/2010/04/22/resolving-common-citrix-issues/

Printing Recommendations for a XenApp/Terminal Server Environment | https://support.citrix.com/article/CTX136332

Citrix XenDesktop | https://searchvirtualdesktop.techtarget.com/definition/Citrix-XenDesktop