5 Reasons CIOs Are Rethinking Citrix and Why Parallels RAS Is on Their Radar
If you’re in the CIO seat, you’ve probably heard the rumblings...
Citrix, the old workhorse of virtualization, isn’t the only game in town anymore. For years, it was the default choice for delivering virtual apps and desktops. But rising costs, complex licensing, and complex hybrid deployments have leaders quietly asking, “Is there a better way?”
We’ve spent 20+ years in the VDI world—working with organizations from healthcare to manufacturing. Throughout this blog, we’ll share what we’re hearing from decision-makers like you and the five big reasons they’re making the switch to Parallels RAS.
1. The Licensing Headache Has Gone Too Far
It started with subscription pricing, then minimum seat counts, and then bundles you didn’t really want but had to pay for.
CIOs just want to know what this will cost next year without needing a crystal ball.
Parallels RAS keeps it simple:
- Concurrent-user licensing means you’re not overpaying for seats you don’t need.
- No surprise add-ons. No nickel-and-diming.
When budgets are tight, predictability matters.
2. Complexity That Slows IT Teams Down
Citrix is powerful—no one’s denying that. But managing it? That’s another story. Multiple consoles. Steep learning curves. Expensive certifications just to keep the lights on.
Parallels RAS flips that on its head with a single, unified console that most IT generalists can run. There are no five-day boot camps, no alphabet soup of certifications, just software that works.
3. Cloud Moves Shouldn’t Feel Like Surgery
Hybrid and cloud deployments with Citrix can feel like a second full-time job. Especially if you’re trying to integrate with Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)—Citrix doesn’t make it easy.
Parallels RAS, on the other hand, was built with native AVD integration and simplified hybrid setups right out of the box. Less time wiring things together means faster cloud adoption—and fewer late-night “what did we break?” calls.
4. Support That Doesn’t Leave You Hanging
This is where our 20 years in VDI really matter. We’ve seen companies get stuck because vendor support is slow or partner programs change overnight.
At EDCi, we don’t just throw software at you and walk away. We help you:
- Model the costs before you commit
- Deploy the right way the first time
- Train your team so you’re not relying on us forever
That’s why our customers stay with us. We’re here to help them make the right decision—not just the easy, convenient one.
5. The Numbers Speak for Themselves
At the end of the day, every CIO asks. What is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)?
With Parallels RAS, organizations consistently see:
- Lower licensing costs
- Fewer staff hours tied up in administration
- Faster deployment times
One client cut their VDI costs nearly in half while simplifying operations. For them, it wasn’t about “switching platforms.” It was about aligning IT strategy with business strategy—and finally having the numbers to back it up.
Want to See Your Numbers?
Whether you stick with Citrix or make the move to Parallels, you deserve clarity before you commit.
That’s why we offer a quick, no-pressure conversation to map your current costs, explore alternatives, and give you a clear path forward.
Because good decisions start with the right information.
