Parallels RAS: What’s New in Version 16.5.3

Parallels RAS: What’s New in Version 16.5.3 

With the recently released version 16.5 update 3 (16.5.3), Parallels RAS now includes support for yet another VDI platform, new developer tools, and a couple of client-side security enhancements, in addition to several other improvements. The team is also ramping up development to support Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktops (WVD) in future releases. 

Support for Another VDI Platform 

Starting with this update, Parallels RAS can support Scale Computing’s HC3, a new hyperconverged infrastructure solution that combines compute, storage, virtualization, backup, and disaster recovery in a single appliance. HC3 uses Scale Computing’s own KVM-based hypervisor, thereby positioning itself as a cost-effective, easy-to-use hyperconverged solution—qualities that perfectly match those of Parallels RAS.  

Version 16.5.3 will be supporting Scale Computing H3 as another VDI platform, further broadening its already extensive selection of supported VDI platforms, including Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix Hypervisor (formerly known as XenServer), VMware ESXi, Nutanix Acropolis (AHV), and KVM. This new capability essentially allows Parallels RAS to spin up and manage virtual machines through Scale Computing HC3 API.  

New Developer Tools 

Another noteworthy addition to Parallels RAS is its extended use of RAS session variables. Previously, RAS session variables could only be used with published applications. In 16.5.3, this capability has been extended to published desktops as well. Now, customers and partners who develop their own applications can have even more flexibility if they want these applications to perform tasks or query certain session variables (e.g. client IP, MAC address, model, version, and more) when users connect using the Parallels RAS client. 

Client-Side Security Enhancements 

Although Parallels RAS is highly secure, virtual applications and desktops can still be compromised when users don’t follow passwordcomplexity guidelines. To help companies enforce these policies, the latest update includes some crucial client-side security enhancements in macOS®, iOS, and Android clients, such as:  

Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) Support 

Although WVD support is not yet included in this update, version 16.5.3 is paving the way toward Parallels RAS support for WVD in the very near future.  

Parallels RAS is set to extend and enrich the WVD platform so that customers and partners can apply the right delivery method to the right users and customers. In addition, Parallels RAS and WVD integration will enable organizations to: 

New Features List 

Here is a list of some knowledge base articles for the new features of Parallels RAS v16.5.3 

RAS Session Variables: http://kb.parallels.com/en/124632 

What are the supported VDI Providers?: https://kb.parallels.com/en/123600 

VDI Agent Installation Options: http://kb.parallels.com/en/124633 

Upgrading Parallels Remote Application Server to version 16.0 and higher: https://kb.parallels.com/en/124222 

Lifecycle announcement for Parallels Remote Application Server: https://kb.parallels.com/en/123002 

Parallels Remote Application Server version 16.5 Release Notes: https://kb.parallels.com/en/124473