Parallels today announced a significant update to Parallels Access for iPad, the product that “applifies” Windows and Mac applications and lets customers remotely access and experience those applications as if they were made for an iPad. New features and improvements include Windows support which is now out of beta, support for 11 languages, and a new single port connection that makes it easier for users to work within certain corporate networks. Now Parallels offers a two-week free trial and the choice of a $4.99 monthly or $49.99 annual Parallels Access subscription that lets subscribers access up to 10 PC or Mac computers.
“People from all walks of life including business travelers, people in professional services and company executives have told us how Parallels Access for iPad has made a difference by letting them get more done from anywhere, so they have more time to focus on what’s most important to them,” said Birger Steen, CEO of Parallels. “Today we are excited to give our Parallels Access customers even more features, languages and subscription options so they can enjoy the full benefits of today’s mobile lifestyle.”
Customers across the board have been raving about Parallels Access’ ease of use and the productivity benefit realized from this powerful app:
Russell Silverman, MD said, “I used Parallels Access on my iPad from Italy to access my desktop computer in New York to view cardiac and vascular ultrasound video images. The detail was wonderful and I was able to complete my work without difficulty.”
User Larry Hay said, “This has to be the absolute most amazing iOS App ever. Parallels Access is a great example of maximizing the capability of a mobile device in an increasingly mobile work environment – it’s so easy an executive can use it. Thank you Parallels, you have singlehandedly changed the universe for the better!”
User JPHuff said, “Considering the great features that Parallels Desktop offers I shouldn’t have been surprised by Parallels Access, but I was frankly shocked. This is the first product that is actually customized to the touch interface of the iPad. I was also pleasantly surprised by the performance, the ability to simply toggle between apps, and the full desktop mode.”
Available initially in the U.S. and Germany, Parallels Access is expanding to include support for additional languages and reach millions of new users in need of a powerful mobile access tool. Key new Parallels Access updates and features include the following:
- Full support for remote computers running Windows 7 Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 as well as Macs running Mavericks, Mountain Lion and Lion
- Localization in 11 languages — In addition to English and German, Parallels Access now supports Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese
- iOS 7 redesign — Enjoy the latest iPad OS updates from Apple when you use Parallels Access
- Single port connection — Parallels has now made it easier to work within certain corporate networks.
Parallels Access lets people use native iPad gestures even in applications not designed for iPad. With Parallels Access, just tap right to what you need to get done, in any Windows or Mac application, switch between desktop applications with ease, and leverage SmartTap and magnifying glass to tap with precision inside your desktop applications. Parallels Access works well even with low-bandwidth connections.
“Parallels Access has been a tremendous initial success, with very useful, leading edge features that address the growing need for customers to have anytime, anywhere access to their apps and documents,” said Laura DiDio, Principal, Information Technology Intelligence Consulting. “ITIC survey data indicates that eight out of ten of businesses (77%) now have at least a portion of their workforce that is mobile or works remotely. The trend of on-the-go working and remote offices will become increasingly prevalent. And Parallels Access is only going to become an even more essential, ‘must-have’ productivity tool.”
What Tablet Users Really Want
In order to get a closer understanding of the target market needs, Parallels conducted a survey of Mac and iPad users1 that found the following:
- Nine out of 10 (90%) respondents wish they could use full-featured apps on their iPads
- Nine out of 10 (93%) respondents said they would be more productive if full-featured Mac or PC applications and files were available for the iPad, and they functioned like iPad apps. Nearly half of the respondents said they’d be 100% more productive.
- Nine out of 10 (85%) respondents said they would bring a laptop and iPad on a personal trip, while six out of 10 (60%) said they’d bring both devices on a business trip
The results show that tablet users overwhelmingly crave cross-platform flexibility and want to leverage their tablets as productivity tools.
Availability, Pricing and Hardware Requirements
Parallels Access app for iPad is now available on the App Store as a two week free trial and as a subscription at $4.99 per-month or $49.99 per-year for each user on up to 10 computers. Parallels Access, with its Mac Agent and Windows Agent, is available immediately. Parallels Access hardware requirements include iPad mini and iPad 2 or later and a Mac running OS X (Mavericks 10.9, Mountain Lion 10.8, Lion 10.7) or a PC running Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1. If a Mac user purchases or upgrades to Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac, they receive a complimentary six-month subscription to Parallels Access which will also “applify” all of their Windows virtual machines and Windows apps so they work like they were made for iPad.