The Road from VAR to MSP

As businesses become more aware of the advantages of entrusting their IT operations to external experts, the demand for managed services is steadily increasing. Analyst estimates predict that the global market for managed services will be $411 billion by 2027! The growing complexity of applications, Cloud service adoption, and solutions to manage desktop environments are driving the uptake of managed services.

Businesses need support managing their IT solutions, and there is a chronic shortage of skilled IT professionals available to hire. This means there is a market of opportunities for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). As a result, Value Added Resellers (VARs) are expanding their business operations to offer MSP services.

Many VARs are looking for advice and help on how to transition into the MSP space. Parallels have a?White Paper?that offers such advice. It covers the differences between a VAR and an MSP, outlines the necessary measures to successfully transition into the managed services sector, and highlights the advantages of integrating Parallels?? Remote Application Server (RAS) into MSP offerings.?

We won’t repeat their excellent information for VARs looking to transition to MSPs here. We encourage you to download and read the?White Paper.

Parallels RAS Can Streamline Your MSP Offering

Creating an ideal digital workspace is crucial to ensuring a productive and efficient hybrid and remote workforce in today’s constantly evolving environment. Parallels RAS is an innovative platform that seamlessly integrates with current IT, offering a centralised management console for administrators and a secure virtual environment for end-users. With Parallels RAS, employees can easily access work applications and data from any location or device. At the same time, administrators maintain control and security over the entire system.

Parallels RAS enables secure access to legacy and cloud applications from any device without requiring VPN or RDP connections. RAS delivers:

Easy remote access across devices and networks

Users have the option to work remotely and securely access their files, applications, and desktops through the locally installed Parallels Client or the Web Client. Users can do this across multiple networks or devices.

A Simple and Intuitive UI

RAS enables users to easily work securely from any device, thanks to a user-friendly interface and intuitive native gestures on touch devices. Simply swipe between applications and files, copy and paste, drag & drop, and pinch to zoom. With Parallels RAS in coherence mode, you can seamlessly work as if using a local drive even when remote from the office.

A Single Workspace to Access All Your Apps

Improve users’ productivity by providing a unified workspace that grants access to all the necessary applications. Offer a single access point that can host apps from various sources like local PCs, on-premise servers, VDI, cloud solutions (such as Amazon Workspaces and Azure Virtual Desktop), intranets, and more. Make the user experience easier while managing any complications with simplified management controls.

Maximise Productivity and Efficiency

Effortlessly access local files, folders, and applications such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom through redirection controls. Additionally, enjoy the convenience of universal printing controls that allow you to scan or print from any device to a local printer.

Easy to Deploy, Manage and Maintain

You won't need expensive IT resources to manage multiple customers, and it will only take a few hours, not days, to onboard new ones.

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A Cost-Effective and Simple Licensing Model

With Parallels RAS, you can opt for a convenient pay-as-you-go billing model, allowing you to only pay for new customers when necessary. Additionally, the billing system is fully automated and simplified, making it effortless for you to calculate and manage costs with ease. Getting started doesn’t require any fees.

High-value Support Provision

After enrolling in free online training courses and becoming certified, you will have access to valuable resources that can assist in creating and delivering highly profitable MSP solutions.

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For MSPs, Parallels RAS offers four ways to streamline processes and integrate with the cloud services and applications organisations already use:

Citrix Alternative

Parallels RAS is a simpler, more affordable alternative to Citrix. Reduce complexity and cut costs by switching to Parallels RAS. Make the transition effortless with the free migration tool.

Enhance Microsoft RDS

Overcome the limitations of Microsoft RDS and deliver an unmatched user experience on any device, including smartphones and tablets.

Microsoft Azure Integration

Extend and simplify the capabilities of Microsoft Azure by integrating and managing all workloads and resources from a central point - the Parallels RAS Console.

Enhance Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Parallels RAS offers a flexible VDI solution that enhances Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Amazon EC2 with workload and client management and major cloud provider support.

Learn more on the Renaissance Parallels RAS landing page.

Cybersecurity in Parallels RAS

Cybersecurity is core to Parallels RAS. It has easy-to-use controls that protect sensitive company data with granular permissions, enforce Secure Sockets Layer (SSL/TLS) encryption, multifactor authentication, and more. RAS offers:

Advanced Access Controls

Secure corporate data with a client group policy in the Parallels RAS Console. Centrally manage and control access by user, group, or device.

Multifactor Authentication

Require users to authenticate via two-factor or smart card authentication. Parallels RAS also integrates with third-party security solutions.

Encryption Protocols

Parallels RAS Secure Gateway supports SSL/TLS and FIPS 140-2 encryption, helping organisations adhere to data compliance policies such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR.

Centralised Monitoring

Transform raw data into custom visual reports to show traffic and resource usage from your network infrastructure. Centrally monitor day-to-day user activities. ?

Conclusion

Parallels is renowned for its expertise in cross-platform solutions and dedication to simplifying complex engineering and user-experience challenges. The White Paper outlines what’s required to become a Parallels RAS partner.

Renaissance is excited to partner with Parallels to bring their cutting-edge solutions to VARs and MSPs across Ireland. We are confident these innovative solutions will greatly benefit Irish organisations, particularly in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing working environment.?Contact us?today to learn more and discuss how Parallels RAS can help you journey from VAR to MSP.