Citrix Workspace vs Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) comparison

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Comparison Buyer's Guide
Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Citrix Workspace and Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out in this report how the two Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.
To learn more, read our detailed Citrix Workspace vs. Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) Report (Updated: March 2024).
765,234 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 service dash and Workspace Environment Manager service are good features.""Getting access to the applications for which we otherwise have to be on-site is probably the biggest advantage""Citrix Workspace allows you to work in a remote environment and gives you data security.""It is a good product. I don't have any complaints.""Citrix Workspace can present desktop applications with ease, in an efficient and secure manner. The performance is good, it is a great piece of software.""The feature that I like is that it is fast.""The most valuable feature of Citrix Workspace is its security.""It is stable, easy to scale, and provides secure remote access."

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"It provides flexible access to Windows applications from many types of devices.""Valuable features include the ability to set up security groups for accessing certain apps, and the ability to add apps easily and centrally without touching the servers they’re hosted on.""We use RAS to publish cloud desktops to our clients. The ability to easily publish resources to a subset of users is what we find most valuable.""The connection is compressed so we don't need a lot of resources to run it.""Setup was straightforward. Our particular use case involved an Active Directory forest involving two data centers and three domains. User authentication against Active Directory was the easiest to set up and validate of any application installed in the last three years.""We can provision the servers without the need for another third-party solution.""We can publish apps and desktops on Terminal Servers and seamlessly share printers. We also combine Parallels with Deepnet Security to get two-factor authentication.""It permits us to control the applications that our users are able to get to, in a seamless manner. We're able to distribute applications to users' desktops, just like those applications are on each user's computer, but they're not."

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Cons
"The product's technical support services need improvement.""The ITSM adapters need to be enhanced.""There is room for slight improvement in performance optimization and interface refinement.""We're running into all kinds of speed issues and reliability issues. There are frequent disconnects, and we're not sure whether that's a problem with the product, with the way the product has been deployed, or with server capacity or bandwidth. Our IT department pays attention to that, but we are feeling the impact of that.""The lag when using Skype or Screen Sharing with multiple users needs to improve, as it makes it difficult for us to continue when we have to restart the system.""The initial setup is very complex.""The product has some bugs, making it an area of concern where improvements are required.""This solution is resource-intensive, it takes a lot of Bandwidth and a lot of the resources of the server."

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"We would like the ability to provide a popup message, such as a maintenance notification. That same notification on the Parallels client would be awesome.""If the solution crashes, then all the customers connected through that agent, lose their session.""HALB is not stable in our environment. When running two HALBs we have stability problems, so we use an active one and a passive for backup. Also, it would be nice to implement an upgrade of the environment without having to stop the servers. As it is, this must be done during off-hours.""We use several gateways because access to our secret zone requires two-factor user authentication. It is a lot of hassle differentiating among users with or without two-factor. Of course, we could use two farms, but that would mean more management too.""Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is an expensive solution, and its pricing could be improved.""The product does not utilize SQL for reporting purposes. Also, it does not support some hypervisors similar to Citrix. These particular areas need improvement.""We would like to be able to re-label the OTP (One Time Password) popup so our users can easily recognize that they are to put in their DUO code on that line. Most users see OTP and ask what that is.""The customization of the web interface could possibly use some improvement. Little things, like being able to place a background image instead of just choosing from a palette of colors, would be nice."

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Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "We don't have a lot to compare it to, but we certainly think whatever we pay is worthwhile at this point in time. It's very reasonable."
  • "We are just now approaching the end of our initial purchase, which was an excellent price for us as an academic institution. We got a very good deal to get us on board. That license is up for renewal in about a year, and we are nervously waiting to see what the pricing will be."
  • "The licensing of Citrix Workspace is worth it. However, it is expensive. Citrix is probably more competitive now than VMware, but it is still a costly solution."
  • "The price of the solution could be less expensive. There are different versions to their solution and the price keeps increasing."
  • "We are seeing a return on investment with Citrix Workspace."
  • "The tool is expensive."
  • "Citrix is expensive."
  • "My company opts for the yearly subscription model to pay towards the licensing costs attached to the solution."
  • More Citrix Workspace Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "The pricing has always been competitive, and the new SPLA licensing model works great for our business and clients."
  • "I think the new pricing is a little bit high. If the price was lower, we could use it for many more customers. If there was one improvement to be made to this product, it would be a small-business version, at a much lower price point."
  • "Work with the vendor, as this is a fairly new product and they want use cases. Deals can be made."
  • "Comparable performance to Citrix for our use case at a significantly lower cost. Pricing is clear and there are relatively few options or other pricing considerations when compared to similar products. Just be sure not to forget the Microsoft licensing that goes along with a Parallels deployment."
  • "Just compare it to Citrix and you will see the value in it."
  • "Pricing is a little steep."
  • "It justifies the price. In terms of licensing, initially when we got the product it was an unlimited licensing strategy. We knew would grow in the coming years. So initially, we took a plan which had no limit. After a year or so the strategy changed and we were being limited to 105 licenses, that was the minimum... If there was flexibility for increasing the number of licenses that would be great because you never know how much you are going to grow in the next year."
  • "We currently use Parallels side-by-side with an Azure cloud-hosted solution. This may be from a lack of product knowledge on my part, but we still need to work out the most effective way to shut down servers outside of hours, thereby reduce hosting costs. I am not entirely convinced Parallels does this well yet."
  • More Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    Questions from the Community
    Top Answer:My company opts for the yearly subscription model to pay towards the licensing costs attached to the solution.
    Top Answer:Citrix Workspace needs to improve and offer a better QA. The product has some bugs, making it an area of concern where improvements are required. The product should have some new releases to deal with… more »
    Top Answer:The solution is powerful, and it has good speed and performance.
    Top Answer:The product is not expensive. I rate its pricing a three or four out of ten.
    Top Answer:Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is an expensive solution, and its pricing could be improved.
    Ranking
    Views
    6,142
    Comparisons
    4,809
    Reviews
    15
    Average Words per Review
    413
    Rating
    8.6
    Views
    2,388
    Comparisons
    1,565
    Reviews
    3
    Average Words per Review
    283
    Rating
    8.0
    Comparisons
    Also Known As
    Citrix Workspace Cloud
    Parallels RAS
    Learn More
    Citrix
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    Parallels
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    Overview

    Citrix Workspace is a robust, stable Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solution that provides integrated, secure access to content, applications, desktops, and resources from anywhere, using any device. These resources can be local, mobile, web, browser, content applications, SaaS, and Citrix DaaS.

    Citrix Workspace gathers and combines the best of Citrix Cloud services, enabling secure access to all the resources available to the organization's end‑users in one location.

    Users are able to view each resource that they have been given access to via the Citrix Workspace user interface (UI). Users are able to access all the services that have been assigned to them in the Workspace Configuration portal either through the browser using the Workspace URL or through the Citrix Workspace application, which has replaced Citrix Receiver.

    Users can easily authenticate their workspaces using the credentials preset in the primary identity provider that is part of the Identity and Access Management which then will automatically enable in Workspace Configuration. This will immediately authenticate the subscriber to each cloud‑hosted service purchased and assigned for their specific unique Citrix Workspace. This guarantees increased security and minimizes any user anomalies.

    Citrix Workspace Benefits:

    Citrix Workspace provides many value-added benefits. Some of these benefits include:


    • Personalized user experience: Citrix Workplace provides a unique personalized experience for each and every user based on their assigned role and job assignment. Users are also able to personalize workflows, improving the overall user work experience.
    • Increased productivity: Citrix Workplace provides a unique personalized experience for each and every user. The single sign-on protocol makes it easy for users to find the applications they need and to start work immediately.
    • Streamlined workflow: The solution facilitates a cleaner, organized, intuitive workspace. The automated workflows and streamlined tasks ensure users stay on task and can perform at their very best at all times.
    • Improved collaboration: Citrix workspace streamlines the ability for users to share media, content, and data with other team members, employees, and stakeholders.
    • Consistent business process: The solution allows users to sign on and begin work from anywhere, anytime, using any device. This enables processes to continue uninterrupted and avoid potential shutdowns or downtime.
    • Next-generation technology: Users are always provided the most up-to-date user experience using SaaS, Citrix Daas, and the most current applications and resources available.
    • Robust governance protocol: The solution provides a rock-solid governance framework as defined by the organization. Citrix Workspace protects all applications and gives users access to only those applications that they need when they need them.
    • Increased security: It uses the most up-to-date single sign-on and zero-trust protocols. Citrix Workspace protects all applications and gives users access to only those applications that they need. The security process includes two-step verification and preset role-based access.
    • Cost-effective: Users are able to sign on from anywhere, using any device, which significantly reduces many overhead costs. The automated workflows also reduce time by eliminating unnecessary repetitive tasks.
    • Increased profitability: A value-added VDI such as Citrix Workspace will ensure an organization will achieve the highest levels of productivity and profitability while providing a solid ROI.

    Reviews from Real Users

    “If you have a desktop, laptop, or device that can be distributed to end users, to any kind of inconsistency in the institution, we deploy the solution so that anybody can get whatever resource is required. It helps ensure access. It makes it easy for us to give storage, memory, RAM, or processor resources without anything affecting their day-to-day activity.” Letarik D., Software System Team Leader at Ethiopian Roads Administration.

    “I work for the State of Illinois, and we were able to stay open and provide services for the needs of the people of the State of Illinois during COVID, which included unemployment services and everything else like that. Its user-friendliness is most valuable. It was easy to login and navigate. Some solutions are not very user-friendly, but this one was.” Cheri S., Information Systems Analyst II at the State of Illinois.

    ApplicationServer delivers applications, data and virtual desktops from a central location, providing continuous availability, resource-based load-balancing and complete network transparency.
    Sample Customers
    Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority
    Arsari Group _ PT Netmarks Indonesia, Izhevsk Elektromekhanicheskiy Zavod (IEMZ) _ Kupol, Abilene Diagnostic Clinic, Fylde Borough Council, YARSTROYREZE LLC, VSK Insurance House, Melenkovsky District of Vladimirskaya Oblast, Sofrigam SA, Antenna International, KingsGate Community Church, Norwegian American Hospital, Island Hotels Group, Medway Council, Medway Council, Voices of September 11th, MacDonald Training Center, Kansas Childrenês Service League, Scope,Next Generation Clubs, WTC Communications, Opera Australia, HSE Integrated, Danier, Bridgwater College, Kern County Mental Health, Tony Tiendas, Spears Manufacturing, Managed Insurance Services Inc., Intuitive Medical Software, M.J. Soffe, Mazda Motors, Israel Military Industries (IMI), Telfair, Upic Solutions, Teleflora, Fisher & Company
    Top Industries
    REVIEWERS
    Healthcare Company24%
    Computer Software Company18%
    Government12%
    Financial Services Firm6%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company15%
    Financial Services Firm10%
    Government9%
    Manufacturing Company8%
    REVIEWERS
    Government15%
    Construction Company15%
    University15%
    Healthcare Company8%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company15%
    Comms Service Provider10%
    Financial Services Firm10%
    Government8%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business40%
    Midsize Enterprise16%
    Large Enterprise44%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business24%
    Midsize Enterprise15%
    Large Enterprise62%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business52%
    Midsize Enterprise8%
    Large Enterprise40%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business28%
    Midsize Enterprise15%
    Large Enterprise56%
    Buyer's Guide
    Citrix Workspace vs. Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)
    March 2024
    Find out what your peers are saying about Citrix Workspace vs. Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) and other solutions. Updated: March 2024.
    765,234 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    Citrix Workspace is ranked 6th in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) with 25 reviews while Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is ranked 12th in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) with 24 reviews. Citrix Workspace is rated 8.6, while Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is rated 8.8. The top reviewer of Citrix Workspace writes "Useful virtual desktop usage from anywhere, simple deployment, and straightforward to maintain". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) writes "Provides good scalability and a secure environment". Citrix Workspace is most compared with Microsoft Remote Desktop Services, Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service), VMware Workspace ONE, VMware Horizon View and Ivanti Environment Manager Policy, whereas Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is most compared with Microsoft Remote Desktop Services, Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service), VMware Workstation, NVIDIA GRID and Parallels Desktop. See our Citrix Workspace vs. Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) report.

    See our list of best Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) vendors.

    We monitor all Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) 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.