Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs Parallels Access comparison

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Comparison Buyer's Guide
Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Microsoft Remote Desktop Services and Parallels Access based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out in this report how the two Remote Access solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.
To learn more, read our detailed Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs. Parallels Access Report (Updated: March 2024).
765,386 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Featured Review
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"The installation is straightforward.""The most valuable feature is performance.""The solution now includes a multi-screen feature which is great.""The solution works well as a remote desktop.""The most valuable features are it is fast and cost-effective.""The solution is really fast.""The solution is easy to deploy and there are many features available that you can turn on or off depending on your budget.""The performance is one of the main features of this solution."

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"It's great that the total deployment can happen completely remotely.""It's got a very easy-to-use interface.""Parallels Access has flexible licensing policies, which is beneficial for customers who have intermittent usage or users who are on and off the system.""We don't have problems with stability. Everything is good."

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Cons
"We'd like, in the future, if it would work with Linux or Unix-based operating systems or even Mac.""Microsoft Remote Desktop Services could improve by allowing the sharing of the office application. For example, the ability to replace a PC when something is wrong.""Security in the connection between us and our clients' servers is something that can be improved.""The solution isn't as good as the Citrix option.""Sometimes the server stops working, and we don’t know why. Occasionally we’ll get a message to the effect of "There is no remote license."""I would like to be able to access the remote desktop using a web-based interface, rather than having to use the client.""Microsoft still has some really bad remote desktop appliance for Mac.""The solution should have better security."

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"The solution may not scale well for enterprises.""There is room for improvement in the pricing policy. The price point is pretty aggressive.""They could improve the reporting.""One challenge we do notice is that the application is limited to Windows servers only. If a customer has a Linux server, things get complicated. They should open it up a bit to be more compatible with different types of servers."

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Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "The pricing is moderate."
  • "The solution has a perpetual license and it is purchased upfront."
  • "It will probably cost about $500 USD to get the resources set up in the cloud."
  • "Although not an expensive product, pricing is always something that can be improved."
  • "It's not an expensive solution."
  • "It's not an expensive product."
  • "Its licensing is on a yearly basis. We're on the educational or academic license, and our terms are good. We're very happy with the pricing."
  • "The pricing could always be improved."
  • More Microsoft Remote Desktop Services Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "The licensing costs are about $100 per user."
  • More Parallels Access Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    765,386 professionals have used our research since 2012.
    Questions from the Community
    Top Answer:Parallels Access has flexible licensing policies, which is beneficial for customers who have intermittent usage or users who are on and off the system.
    Top Answer:It's around $125 per user per year. It is a one-time charge for installation and implementation, which is a small cost we charge to our customers. However, it's not from our solution side. Basically… more »
    Top Answer:There is room for improvement in the pricing policy. The price point is pretty aggressive. Since it is not very resource hungry, it doesn't require dedicated servers like high-end solutions do, so… more »
    Ranking
    2nd
    out of 45 in Remote Access
    Views
    10,005
    Comparisons
    8,806
    Reviews
    38
    Average Words per Review
    405
    Rating
    8.1
    12th
    out of 45 in Remote Access
    Views
    2,494
    Comparisons
    2,171
    Reviews
    2
    Average Words per Review
    462
    Rating
    8.5
    Comparisons
    Also Known As
    Remote Desktop Services, MS Remote Desktop Services
    Learn More
    Overview

    Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is a highly regarded remote access tool in addition to being a top-ranked Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solution in the marketplace today.

    Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a suite of valuable elements of the Windows operating system (OS) that serve specific desired objectives. Microsoft RDS integrates various features that allow approved users to gain access to graphical desktops and Windows applications remotely. Approved users are able to deploy applications or even a complete desktop without having to install anything on their devices. Everything remains in the cloud. This ensures that there are never any compatibility issues and keeps the organization's original network secure at all times. Administrators are also able to ensure that data cannot be stored in any unapproved location, such as the local device, unapproved drives, or any other location.

    Microsoft RDS makes it easy for business organizations to access Windows Desktops and other Windows applications remotely to ensure today’s busy enterprise organizations are able to maintain the highest levels of productivity at all times. There are two basic ways organizations can effectively utilize RDS.


    • Microsoft Remote Desktop Component: This allows users to connect with various alternate desktops from their current device. Once the user has gained a secure connection based on the approved administrative permissions, the user can seamlessly access and interact with the remote desktop. Users have the feeling of having this new virtual desktop installed directly on their machine.


    • RemoteApp: Users are able to easily access cloud-based applications via their own personal desktop computers or other approved mobile devices. This application ensures overall application management is centralized and consistent throughout the entire business enterprise.


    Microsoft Remote Desktop Services Benefits

    Microsoft Remote Desktop Services has many benefits. Some of its most valuable benefits include:


    • Access Windows applications remotely from any device
    • Enhanced consistent application performance
    • Increased computing resources
    • Secure cloud-based data storage.
    • Streamlined management processes
    • Reduction in technical administrative resources
    • Reduction in hardware and device costs.
    • Improved employee productivity
    • Cost-effective
    • Improved Profitability
    • Reduce carbon footprint


    Microsoft Remote Desktop Services makes it easy for busy enterprise organizations to stay productive and remain competitive in today’s aggressive marketplace. An organization's end-users can be given access to their own specific desktops from any location, anytime, using any approved device. Additionally, users can access Microsoft applications without having an effect on their device's resource capacity or performance.

    Reviews from Real Users

    “What I found most valuable in Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is accessibility because the solution lets you take control of your computer remotely, and that's a good feature.” Pascal B., IT consultant at Secoptrial

    “The most valuable features of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services are unification, central management, and accessibility.” Jan S. Solution Architect at a tech services company

    “The most valuable features are that it is fast and cost-effective. I am not aware of a replacement currently on the market.” Ramon H. Director at Empaco

    Parallels Access is a fast, simple, and reliable remote access software that allows you to connect to your computer from anywhere. Parallels Access can access all your applications, files, and computers.
    Sample Customers
    Bank Alfalah Ltd.
    Gilt Groupe K.K.
    Top Industries
    REVIEWERS
    Financial Services Firm17%
    Manufacturing Company12%
    Computer Software Company10%
    Healthcare Company7%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company13%
    Government9%
    Financial Services Firm8%
    Manufacturing Company8%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company13%
    Comms Service Provider10%
    Educational Organization10%
    University9%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business47%
    Midsize Enterprise22%
    Large Enterprise32%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business27%
    Midsize Enterprise16%
    Large Enterprise58%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business29%
    Midsize Enterprise20%
    Large Enterprise52%
    Buyer's Guide
    Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs. Parallels Access
    March 2024
    Find out what your peers are saying about Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs. Parallels Access and other solutions. Updated: March 2024.
    765,386 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is ranked 2nd in Remote Access with 69 reviews while Parallels Access is ranked 12th in Remote Access with 4 reviews. Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is rated 8.2, while Parallels Access is rated 8.4. The top reviewer of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services writes "Easy to set up and reliable, but needs an additional control panel". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Parallels Access writes "Easy-to-deploy and good for small as well as large setups". Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is most compared with TeamViewer, VMware Horizon, VMware Workstation, Citrix Workspace and Apache Guacamole, whereas Parallels Access is most compared with TeamViewer, Splashtop Remote Support, VNC Connect, TeamViewer Tensor and LogMeIn Pro. See our Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs. Parallels Access report.

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    We monitor all Remote Access reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.