SIMA uses Parallels RAS on Microsoft Azure for Faster Deployments
About SIMA
- Provides a software solution for managing national and international transport, logistics and shipping companies.
- Based in Arco, Italy.
- Part of the Zucchetti Group.
- Founded in 1982.
The Challenge
The sector in which SIMA operates is extremely dynamic and requires not only higher-level skills but also continuous innovation. As the creators of cutting-edge enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, SIMA needed a solution to publish their software to their clients’ devices of choice, no matter their location.
SIMA initially chose to implement Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) but was not satisfied. They found the connection to be slow when using RemoteApp, causing unwanted delays and hassles for end users. Viewing this challenge as a chance to upgrade, SIMA decided to evaluate potential alternatives that would provide a fast and effective way to publish applications to clients and employees around the world.
The Solution
After exploring the leading solutions, the IT leaders at SIMA decided to implement Parallels® Remote Application Server (RAS) on Microsoft Azure Cloud Service. This combination enhances Microsoft RDS and allows SIMA to deliver secure access to applications.
As Parallels RAS supports iOS, Mac and Windows operating systems, end users are now able to access SIMA’s software through their smartphones, tablets, Mac devices and PCs. Parallels RAS has increased SIMA’s reporting and monitoring abilities, turning raw data into visual and intuitive reports and providing the IT team with a comprehensive infrastructure overview.
SIMA has also simplified session management and improved productivity by allowing IT managers to delegate specific tasks to low-level admins. Parallels RAS came equipped with universal printing—now users can print directly to their local printers from any session without the need for local driver installations.
“Parallels RAS in combination with Microsoft Azure has allowed us to simplify management and render faster deployments.”
The Results
Parallels RAS on Microsoft Azure provides a unique opportunity to offer employees and business partners faster, scalable and reliable access to corporate applications globally. Combined with Azure FSLogix technology, Parallels RAS allows SIMA to handle profile management for 600 concurrent users while simplifying the management of applications and providing a native-like working experience.
Clients are happy with the increased remote accessibility, and the ability to use the device of their choice has increased convenience and satisfaction. SIMA has utilized Parallels RAS to increase data security by implementing multifactor authentication (MFA). The simplicity of the centralized Parallels RAS console has also streamlined IT management and made remote troubleshooting straightforward, allowing IT staff to shadow end users to assist them remotely.
One feature that impressed the IT staff was driver redirection. They are now able to access all local drivers through HTML5 (including USB). Overall, Parallels RAS has served as a simple and effective way to publish applications to users regardless of location, allowing SIMA to focus on providing its software to its transport, shipping and logistics partners.
“End users are very pleased with the freedom to choose their device provided by Parallels RAS.”
About Parallels
Parallels is a global leader in cross-platform solutions, enabling businesses and individuals to access and use the applications and files they need on any device or operating system. Parallels helps customers leverage the best technology available, whether it’s Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android or the cloud.
The company’s solution portfolio includes the award-winning Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS), an all-in-one application delivery and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution that enables users to work remotely from anywhere, on any device, at any time.
