The main workload role that hosts Windows applications and desktops is Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH). RDSH has session-based sharing capabilities that enable multiple users to access desktops and apps simultaneously on a single instance of Windows Server. Users connect to RDSH by using Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) client software.
Remote Desktop Services infrastructure roles contained in Windows Server include RD Connection Broker, RD Gateway, RD Licensing and RD Web Access. RDS can be leveraged on Windows Server 2008 through to Windows Server 2019.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services provides limited web access to digital workspaces, while Parallels RAS delivers full-fledged clientless HTML5 browser access. Enable users to work on published applications and desktops from any HTML5 compatible browser, such as Google Chrome™, Firefox®, Safari or Internet Explorer®.
Learn MoreParallels RAS is installed through a standard MSI file, greatly simplifying the process via a guided setup-wizard. All the required components can be installed directly from the same file. Parallels RAS streamlines the deployment and maintenance of a farm by providing a set of tools to manage Microsoft Remote Desktop Services, freeing IT administrator from lengthy and repetitive tasks.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Broker manages the distribution between the servers in the farm. However, it has limited capability, only allowing the distribution of connections based on session count and server weight. Parallels RAS load balances the traffic between the servers based on user sessions, memory, application usage, and CPU utilization, significantly improving the overall performance.
Parallels RAS can dynamically create, remove, release, and load balance Windows Servers based on pre-defined criteria. IT administrators can utilize RAS templates to generate and deploy virtual workspaces on the fly automatically. RD session hosts and virtual desktops can auto-scale on-demand by group provisioning and de-provisioning based on workload. Sudden traffic-load spikes are managed easily without any manual action from IT staff.
Learn MoreThe Remote Desktop Virtualization Host role only supports Microsoft Hyper-V to host VDIs. In contrast, Parallels RAS supports all major hypervisors, including Microsoft Hyper-V, VMware ESXi, and hyperconverged infrastructures such as Nutanix Acropolis, Scale Computing HC3, HPE, Citrix Hypervisor. Parallels RAS can create and manage virtual machines (VMs) from different hypervisors under the same infrastructure, offering administrators extended flexibility when implementing VDI solutions.
The revolutionary potential of remote desktops is just being tapped. This article will illustrate how remote desktops can help companies work more efficiently and effectively, reducing costs and harmoniously integrating solutions such as thin clients.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services has an uneven user experience across platforms. For example, it does not support delivery on Linux® or Chromebook™ and has limited functionality on mobile devices. Parallels RAS allows users to access their digital workspaces from anywhere, in the office, or the on-the-go, providing a superb and consistent experience across any device, including mobile, such as Android and iOS.
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Relying solely on Microsoft Remote Desktop Services technology can be a complex and often unsuccessful process. Parallels RAS overcomes these limitations, for example, by providing an out-of-the-box universal driver to enable local printing by seamless printing redirection instantly. Allow employees to use their local printers without the need to install any drivers.
Parallels RAS provides a local workspace–like experience on mobile, maintaining the productivity of the end-user. Use native touch gestures such as swipe, drag, tap to click, and zoom with any Windows application on mobile devices. The Parallels Client has the option of having multiple applications running on your mobile, allowing you to switch between them on demand.
Implementing an RDS infrastructure is a lengthy and competitive task. The IT administrator needs to manually enable the RDS role on all the servers used as RD Session Hosts, along with multiple configuration details. Parallels RAS pushes the installation of all necessary roles, even firewall rules, in a few clicks without having to log in on any server or go through any Windows configuration.
The Parallels RAS Console provides a single pane of glass to centrally manage the infrastructure effortlessly, allowing IT staff to deploy servers, publish applications and desktops, monitor resources, define security policies, and more. In addition, multi-tenancy enables more than one RAS Farm management under the same console. Organizations can monitor and troubleshoot user sessions directly from any HTML5 browser.
With Microsoft Remote Desktop Services, Network Load Balancing (NLB) can be used to load balance the network traffic among multiple gateways. However, on top of adding to the complexity of managing an extra component, it does not guarantee the high availability of the service. Parallels RAS High Availability Load Balancing (HALB) provides full-service redundancy, checking the health of the gateways before forwarding a connection. It can be easily managed on the Parallels RAS Console and allows SSL off loaders.
Save time, costs and maximize resources by enabling the automation of common, complex and repetitive tasks using REST-API. Allow easier integration with scheduling and workflow applications into the Parallels RAS ecosystem.
The Parallels RAS PowerShell API enables administrators to automate complex and repetitive tasks with PowerShell cmdlets passing the corresponding parameters. IT administrators can automate provisioning of any Parallels RAS components from on-premises servers to cloud infrastructure (Microsoft Azure and AWS).
Parallels RAS offers flexible cloud deployment models, allowing organizations to use different technologies in multiple scenarios. Organizations can leverage a flexible infrastructure, mixing and matching RDSH, VDI, hypervisors, hyperconverged systems, and hybrid and public clouds, helping meet business requirements.
