We would like to request that Parallels consider adding support for Linux-based Remote Session Hosts in Parallels RAS, enabling customers to deliver remote desktop sessions and applications hosted on Linux systems through the existing RAS platform.
This would expand the platform beyond its current Windows-centric session-hosting model and provide customers with greater flexibility, improved data sovereignty options, and increased opportunities to adopt open-source technologies.
Data sovereignty and digital independence are becoming increasingly important concerns for European organizations. Growing concerns about foreign jurisdiction, potential access to sensitive business data, and the protection of intellectual property are driving many European companies to reassess their dependence on technology providers subject to non-European legislation.
For organizations operating under European privacy regulations and data protection requirements, the ability to run remote sessions on Linux-based infrastructure could provide a valuable alternative to an entirely Windows-based environment.
Linux-based session hosts would allow organizations to deliver selected applications and desktop environments using open-source operating systems and software, reducing their dependency on proprietary technologies and potentially lowering licensing costs.
This capability could be particularly attractive to European managed service providers (MSPs), hosting providers, and enterprises seeking greater control over their infrastructure, software stack, data processing, and intellectual property.
Proposed Functionality
We propose that Parallels RAS supports Linux-based Remote Session Hosts as an additional host type alongside existing Windows RDSH deployments.
A possible implementation could leverage VNC or a similar remote display protocol, integrated into the existing Parallels RAS architecture and delivery stack.
Ideally, Linux session hosts would be manageable through the existing RAS Console and integrate with the platform’s established user-facing functionality wherever technically feasible.
Potential capabilities could include:
Potential Use Cases
Rather than requiring a complete redesign of Parallels RAS, we believe an initial implementation could focus on integrating Linux session hosts through VNC or another suitable remote display protocol.
A phased approach could be considered:
Supporting Linux-based session hosts could help Parallels RAS:
We believe Linux-based Remote Session Host support would be a valuable strategic addition to Parallels RAS, particularly as organizations increasingly evaluate their dependence on proprietary software ecosystems and foreign-controlled technology providers.
The ability to deliver Linux desktops and applications through the existing Parallels RAS platform could provide a practical migration path toward more open, flexible, and sovereign IT environments without requiring customers to abandon the remote access, management, and delivery capabilities they already rely on.
Also, this would make Parallels directly compete in a EU based market where nextcloud is the only other large scale option for MSP/MSSP
This would expand the platform beyond its current Windows-centric session-hosting model and provide customers with greater flexibility, improved data sovereignty options, and increased opportunities to adopt open-source technologies.
Data sovereignty and digital independence are becoming increasingly important concerns for European organizations. Growing concerns about foreign jurisdiction, potential access to sensitive business data, and the protection of intellectual property are driving many European companies to reassess their dependence on technology providers subject to non-European legislation.
For organizations operating under European privacy regulations and data protection requirements, the ability to run remote sessions on Linux-based infrastructure could provide a valuable alternative to an entirely Windows-based environment.
Linux-based session hosts would allow organizations to deliver selected applications and desktop environments using open-source operating systems and software, reducing their dependency on proprietary technologies and potentially lowering licensing costs.
This capability could be particularly attractive to European managed service providers (MSPs), hosting providers, and enterprises seeking greater control over their infrastructure, software stack, data processing, and intellectual property.
Proposed Functionality
We propose that Parallels RAS supports Linux-based Remote Session Hosts as an additional host type alongside existing Windows RDSH deployments.
A possible implementation could leverage VNC or a similar remote display protocol, integrated into the existing Parallels RAS architecture and delivery stack.
Ideally, Linux session hosts would be manageable through the existing RAS Console and integrate with the platform’s established user-facing functionality wherever technically feasible.
Potential capabilities could include:
- Template generation through ansible or similar automation engine
- Linux-based remote sessions: Deliver full Linux desktop sessions and, where feasible, individual remote applications.
- Integration with the existing RAS stack: Reuse existing connection brokering, client connectivity, gateway infrastructure, and other applicable RAS components.
- VNC or equivalent display protocol: Use an established Linux-compatible remote display protocol rather than requiring the full Windows RDSH technology stack.
- Centralized administration: Manage Linux session hosts, published resources, and assignments through the familiar RAS administration interface.
- Authentication and access control: Support integration with existing identity providers and directory services where technically feasible.
- Secure remote access: Reuse existing RAS security and access mechanisms, including gateway-based connectivity, where applicable.
- Open-source ecosystem: Enable customers to build session-hosting environments around Linux distributions and open-source desktop environments and applications.
Potential Use Cases
- European data sovereignty: Organizations seeking alternatives to predominantly US-controlled software stacks while retaining a centralized remote application delivery platform.
- MSPs and hosting providers: Service providers looking to offer Linux-based Desktop as a Service (DaaS) alongside existing Windows desktop services.
- Cost optimization: Customers who can meet selected workload requirements using Linux-based desktops and applications, potentially reducing Windows licensing requirements.
- Open-source adoption: Organizations wishing to deliver Linux desktops with environments such as KDE Plasma or Xfce and applications such as LibreOffice, Firefox, and other Linux-compatible business tools.
- Mixed environments: Customers requiring both Windows and Linux sessions managed through a common remote access and application delivery platform.
Rather than requiring a complete redesign of Parallels RAS, we believe an initial implementation could focus on integrating Linux session hosts through VNC or another suitable remote display protocol.
A phased approach could be considered:
- Phase 1: Support Linux-hosted desktop sessions using an established remote display protocol.
- Phase 2: Add centralized lifecycle management, published applications, and deeper integration with existing RAS administration and access control.
- Phase 3: Expand support for enterprise authentication, session management, monitoring, and mixed Windows/Linux deployments.
Supporting Linux-based session hosts could help Parallels RAS:
- Expand its addressable market among European organizations prioritizing digital sovereignty.
- Differentiate itself from remote application delivery platforms focused primarily on Windows.
- Strengthen its position among MSPs, hosting providers, and organizations adopting open-source infrastructure.
- Provide customers with greater flexibility in balancing functionality, licensing costs, and data sovereignty requirements.
- Support hybrid environments that combine Windows applications with Linux-based desktops and applications.
We believe Linux-based Remote Session Host support would be a valuable strategic addition to Parallels RAS, particularly as organizations increasingly evaluate their dependence on proprietary software ecosystems and foreign-controlled technology providers.
The ability to deliver Linux desktops and applications through the existing Parallels RAS platform could provide a practical migration path toward more open, flexible, and sovereign IT environments without requiring customers to abandon the remote access, management, and delivery capabilities they already rely on.
Also, this would make Parallels directly compete in a EU based market where nextcloud is the only other large scale option for MSP/MSSP