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Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) technologies have revolutionized how companies deal with remote work, providing secure, scalable, and effective workplaces for workers all over the world. In selecting a VDI provider, the choice usually falls on fully managed versus do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions. In this matchup, we discuss why vDeskWorks, a cloud-based VDI offering in which everything is managed, is the better option over Parallels' do-it-yourself solution. From high-end security to easy deployment, vDeskWorks provides an end-to-end solution that is ideal for today's business.

Unrivaled Scalability and Flexibility with vDeskWorks

One of the most impressive features of vDeskWorks is that it is highly scalable, providing solutions for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a small startup or a global enterprise, vDeskWorks offers customizable configurations with CPU options ranging from 2 to 32 vCores, RAM from 4GB to 128GB, and storage options starting at 128GB up to 1TB and beyond. This flexibility ensures that your virtual desktop environment can grow seamlessly with your business. On the other hand, Parallels makes customers responsible for bringing their hardware, making them responsible for resource management and scaling. With vDeskWorks, you have enterprise-class SSD storage on RAID 10 and unmetered bandwidth, without having to worry about infrastructure constraints.

Fully Managed for Seamless Deployment

vDeskWorks removes VDI deployment complexity by being fully managed. Unlike Parallels, which demands technical knowledge to install and manage the environment, vDeskWorks takes care of all aspects, from installation to management. This will enable businesses to deploy virtual desktops without in-house IT skills, cutting costs and saving time. With the streamlined deployment process, your team will be able to get up and running fast with no hidden fees or surprises. Parallels' do-it-yourself approach, by contrast, requires high technical expertise and is therefore less convenient for organizations with no IT resources dedicated to them.

Better Security Features for Peace of Mind

Security is high on the agenda for any company doing business today in a digital world, and vDeskWorks is no exception. It provides features like Active Directory Services, on-premises AD sync, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), customized lockdown policies, Webroot Endpoint Protection, automatic backups through snapshots, and a dedicated firewall. These features ensure your data is thoroughly protected against cyber threats, so your data stays safe. Parallels, although providing some level of security like MFA, lacks any support for on-premises AD sync, customized lockdown policies, endpoint protection, or automatic backups. Security-conscious businesses will want vDeskWorks as their first choice.

Full Support for Client Platforms

vDeskWorks supports compatibility on all major client platforms, including Windows 7/8.x/10, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook, and HTML5-compliant web browsers. This cross-platform compatibility enables users to access from almost any device, promoting productivity and flexibility. Parallels also supports multiple platforms, though its absence of a fully managed offering leaves users to themselves when it comes to compatibility and configuration issues. vDeskWorks' ease of integration between devices and its HTML5 browser access make it a more flexible option for today's diverse workforce.

Advanced Features for Increased Productivity

vDeskWorks exceeds the capabilities of standard VDI offerings with advanced features intended to increase productivity. Standard features include application publishing, print redirection, and unlimited user support to provide a seamless user experience. vDeskWorks also provides distinctive add-on functionalities, including screenshot recording, keystroke monitoring, mouse click logging, productivity monitoring, and screen video recording. These resources prove to be a treasure for organizations seeking to monitor performance and streamline processes. Parallels, as it supports application publishing and print redirection, lacks such sophisticated productivity features, hindering its capacity to deliver actionable insights to enterprises.

Transparent Pricing at a Low Cost

One of the most convincing reasons to opt for vDeskWorks is its cost-effective, transparent pricing scheme. With no concealed fees, companies can confidently budget. Optional features such as IPsec Site-to-Site VPN, IP-based content filtering, and a management console for more than 25 users are offered for free. Parallels, on the other hand, asks users to use bring your own licenses (BYOL) for applications such as Microsoft Office and has no included features such as VPN or content filtering. This Do-It-Yourself option may result in unforeseen hardware, software license, and maintenance expenses, so vDeskWorks is a more cost-effective solution overall.

World-Class Technical Support

vDeskWorks differentiates itself through its full technical support, which includes live chat, email, ticketing, phone support, and remote session aid. What this means is that any problems will be fixed in no time at all, reducing downtime to the bare minimum and ensuring your company runs as usual. Parallels has live chat and phone support, but does not have ticketing or remote session support, which, for large problems, is essential. For companies that require speedy, hands-on support, vDeskWorks offers a service that Parallels can't even come close to matching.