Zoho Assist vs Parallels Desktop

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Our analysts compared Zoho Assist vs Parallels Desktop based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Remote Desktop Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Zoho Assist Software Tool
Parallels Desktop Software Tool

Product Basics

Zoho Assist is a sophisticated software solution designed to facilitate seamless remote support and access. It is particularly well-suited for IT professionals, customer support teams, and managed service providers across various industries such as technology, healthcare, and education. The platform offers unique benefits like secure remote access, unattended remote support, and cross-platform compatibility, making it a versatile tool for troubleshooting and maintenance tasks. Users appreciate its intuitive interface and robust features, including file transfer, voice and video chat, and multi-monitor navigation. Compared to similar products, Zoho Assist is often praised for its reliability and ease of use. Pricing is typically structured on a subscription basis, with options that cater to different business sizes and needs. For precise pricing details, potential users are encouraged to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote. Overall, Zoho Assist stands out for its comprehensive capabilities and user-friendly experience in the realm of remote support.
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Parallels Desktop is a sophisticated virtualization software that enables users to run multiple operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, and macOS, on a single Mac device without rebooting. This versatile tool is particularly beneficial for professionals in industries like software development, IT, and design, where cross-platform compatibility is essential. Users appreciate its seamless integration, allowing for smooth file sharing and application switching between operating systems. Unique features include Coherence Mode, which lets Windows applications run as if they were native Mac apps, and the ability to allocate system resources dynamically for optimal performance. Compared to similar products, users often highlight its user-friendly interface and robust performance. Pricing varies based on the edition and licensing model, with options for annual subscriptions or perpetual licenses. For precise pricing tailored to specific needs, contacting SelectHub is recommended.
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Product Assistance

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24/7 Live Support
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Product Insights

  • Efficient Remote Troubleshooting: Zoho Assist allows IT professionals to quickly diagnose and resolve technical issues without needing to be physically present, reducing downtime and improving productivity.
  • Cost-Effective Support: By eliminating the need for on-site visits, businesses can save on travel expenses and allocate resources more effectively.
  • Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: With faster response times and effective problem resolution, customer satisfaction is significantly improved, leading to better client retention.
  • Secure Data Handling: Zoho Assist uses advanced encryption protocols to ensure that all remote sessions are secure, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: The software supports multiple operating systems, allowing technicians to assist users on Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices seamlessly.
  • Scalable Solution: Whether supporting a small business or a large enterprise, Zoho Assist can scale to meet the demands of any organization, accommodating growth without compromising service quality.
  • Customizable Branding: Businesses can personalize the interface with their own branding, providing a consistent and professional appearance to clients during remote sessions.
  • Unattended Access: Technicians can access remote computers even when users are not present, enabling maintenance and updates to be performed outside of business hours, minimizing disruption.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Detailed session reports provide insights into support activities, helping businesses analyze performance and identify areas for improvement.
  • Integration with Other Tools: Zoho Assist integrates seamlessly with other Zoho products and third-party applications, enhancing workflow efficiency and collaboration.
  • Global Reach: With support for multiple languages and time zones, businesses can provide remote assistance to clients worldwide, expanding their service capabilities.
  • Reduced Environmental Impact: By minimizing the need for travel, Zoho Assist contributes to a lower carbon footprint, supporting corporate sustainability goals.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Technicians can collaborate with team members during remote sessions, sharing insights and expertise to resolve complex issues more effectively.
  • Easy Setup and Use: The intuitive interface and straightforward setup process mean that even non-technical users can quickly get started with Zoho Assist, reducing the learning curve.
  • Improved Resource Allocation: By streamlining support processes, businesses can allocate their IT resources more strategically, focusing on core activities that drive growth.
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  • Seamless Integration: Parallels Desktop allows users to run Windows applications alongside macOS applications without rebooting, providing a smooth workflow for those who need both operating systems.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: It enables the use of Windows-only software on a Mac, such as Microsoft Access or Internet Explorer, which is crucial for professionals who rely on these tools.
  • Resource Efficiency: The software optimizes the use of system resources, ensuring that both the host and guest operating systems run efficiently without significant performance degradation.
  • Easy Setup: Parallels Desktop offers a straightforward installation process with a user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for those with limited technical expertise.
  • Enhanced Productivity: Features like Coherence Mode allow users to hide the Windows desktop while using Windows applications, creating a more focused and distraction-free environment.
  • Security Features: It includes robust security measures such as isolated virtual machines, which protect the host system from malware and other threats that may affect the guest OS.
  • Regular Updates: Parallels Desktop provides frequent updates to ensure compatibility with the latest macOS and Windows releases, keeping systems up-to-date and secure.
  • Customizable Settings: Users can tailor the virtual machine settings to their specific needs, such as adjusting the amount of RAM or CPU cores allocated, optimizing performance for different tasks.
  • Support for Multiple OS: Beyond Windows, Parallels Desktop supports various Linux distributions and other operating systems, offering flexibility for developers and IT professionals.
  • Snapshot Functionality: The ability to take snapshots of the virtual machine state allows users to experiment with software or system changes without risk, as they can easily revert to a previous state.
  • Business and IT Solutions: Parallels Desktop for Business includes centralized administration and management tools, making it ideal for IT departments managing multiple users and devices.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: By enabling the use of multiple operating systems on a single machine, Parallels Desktop reduces the need for additional hardware, saving costs for businesses and individuals.
  • Remote Access: With Parallels Access, users can access their virtual machines remotely from any device, providing flexibility for remote work and travel.
  • Comprehensive Support: Parallels offers extensive support resources, including tutorials, forums, and customer service, ensuring users can resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
  • Performance Optimization: The software includes tools to optimize virtual machine performance, such as disk space cleanup and memory management, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy workloads.
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  • Unattended Access: Set up remote access to computers without needing the end-user to be present, ideal for after-hours maintenance.
  • File Transfer: Securely transfer files between the technician and the remote computer during a session, supporting efficient troubleshooting.
  • Multi-Platform Support: Access and control devices across various operating systems including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.
  • Custom Branding: Personalize the remote support interface with your company’s logo and colors to maintain brand consistency.
  • Session Recording: Record remote sessions for auditing purposes or training, ensuring transparency and accountability.
  • Reboot and Reconnect: Reboot the remote computer and automatically reconnect to the session without losing control.
  • Voice and Video Chat: Communicate with clients directly through integrated voice and video chat during remote sessions for clearer support.
  • Remote Printing: Print documents from the remote computer to a local printer, facilitating seamless document handling.
  • Instant Chat: Use the built-in chat feature to communicate with the remote user in real-time, enhancing collaboration.
  • Multiple Monitor Navigation: Easily switch between multiple monitors connected to the remote computer, ensuring comprehensive support.
  • Security and Encryption: Protect data with SSL and 256-bit AES encryption, ensuring secure remote sessions.
  • Mobile App: Manage remote support sessions on-the-go with the Zoho Assist mobile app, available for both Android and iOS devices.
  • Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrate with other Zoho products and third-party applications to streamline workflows.
  • Session Scheduling: Schedule remote support sessions in advance, allowing for organized and planned assistance.
  • Reports and Analytics: Generate detailed reports on session activities to analyze performance and improve service delivery.
  • Wake on LAN: Power on remote computers that are in sleep mode, ensuring accessibility even when devices are not actively running.
  • Clipboard Sharing: Share clipboard content between local and remote computers, simplifying data transfer during sessions.
  • Two-Factor Authentication: Enhance security with an additional layer of authentication, protecting access to remote sessions.
  • Custom Email Templates: Create and use personalized email templates for session invitations, maintaining professional communication.
  • Session Notes: Add notes during or after a session to document important information and actions taken for future reference.
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  • Seamless Integration: Run Windows applications alongside macOS applications without rebooting, providing a cohesive user experience.
  • Coherence Mode: Hide the Windows desktop while using Windows applications, making them appear as native macOS apps.
  • Drag and Drop Functionality: Easily transfer files, text, and images between Windows and macOS environments by dragging and dropping.
  • Touch Bar Support: Utilize the MacBook Pro's Touch Bar for Windows applications, enhancing productivity with quick access to app controls.
  • DirectX and OpenGL Support: Run demanding graphics applications and games with support for DirectX 11 and OpenGL 3.3, ensuring smooth performance.
  • Snapshot and Rollback: Create snapshots of your virtual machine to save its state and revert back if needed, providing a safety net for testing and development.
  • Shared Folders and Cloud Integration: Access files from your Mac, Windows, and cloud storage seamlessly, ensuring all your data is at your fingertips.
  • Multiple OS Support: Run a variety of operating systems including Windows, Linux, and older versions of macOS, catering to diverse testing and development needs.
  • Resource Management: Allocate CPU and memory resources to your virtual machines efficiently, optimizing performance based on your needs.
  • USB and External Device Compatibility: Connect USB devices and external hardware to your virtual machines, ensuring full functionality and integration.
  • Automatic Optimization: Parallels Desktop automatically adjusts settings for optimal performance based on your hardware and usage patterns.
  • Parallels Toolbox: Access a suite of handy tools for everyday tasks such as taking screenshots, downloading videos, and more, directly from your desktop.
  • Cross-Platform Access: Use Parallels Access to remotely access your Mac from any device, ensuring you can work from anywhere.
  • Virtual Machine Encryption: Protect your data with virtual machine encryption, ensuring sensitive information remains secure.
  • Easy Setup: Quickly set up your virtual machines with pre-configured settings and installation wizards, reducing setup time and complexity.
  • Retina Display Support: Enjoy crisp and clear visuals with full support for Retina displays, enhancing the visual experience of your virtual machines.
  • Business and Pro Editions: Access advanced features such as network conditioning and Visual Studio plug-in, tailored for professional and business use.
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Product Ranking

#9

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#12

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Remote Desktop Software

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Simple Setup: Zoho Assist is web-based, so there's no need for customers to install software before a session.
Multi-Platform Support: Technicians can use Zoho Assist to support a variety of devices, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Secure Connections: Features like two-factor authentication and SSL encryption help keep data safe during remote sessions.
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Run Legacy Software: Parallels Desktop enables users to run legacy Windows software on their Macs, even if it's incompatible with the latest macOS versions. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that rely on older applications that are essential to their operations.
Streamlined Workflow: By providing a way to run Windows and macOS applications side-by-side, Parallels Desktop eliminates the need to switch between operating systems, leading to a more efficient and productive work environment.
Testing Across Operating Systems: Developers and IT professionals can leverage Parallels Desktop to test software and websites across multiple operating systems, ensuring compatibility and identifying potential issues before deployment.
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Limited Communication: Users can't make real-time voice calls during a session, making it difficult to communicate directly.
No Automated Chat Records: The software lacks the ability to automatically send chat transcripts after a session, making record keeping of support interactions difficult.
Unattended Agent Issues: Some users have reported that unattended agents sometimes go offline after intense troubleshooting sessions that involve multiple reboots and connections.
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High Resource Consumption: Even with resource limitations configured, some users observe significant RAM usage, potentially impacting overall system performance, especially on older hardware or when running demanding applications concurrently.
Occasional Software Glitches: While generally stable, some users report infrequent instances of Parallels Desktop freezing or requiring a restart, which can disrupt workflow and lead to minor productivity losses.
Coherence Mode UI Quirks: Although Coherence Mode enables seamless integration of Windows apps, the duplication of system icons like battery and network status in both macOS and Windows can clutter the menu bar and create a less streamlined user experience.
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Is Zoho Assist the real deal when it comes to remote support? User reviews from the past year paint a largely positive picture of Zoho Assist, particularly for its user-friendliness and affordability. Users consistently highlight the intuitive interface, emphasizing its simplicity even for those less tech-savvy. This ease of use, combined with robust security features, makes it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes. Its versatility in handling both attended and unattended remote access further adds to its appeal, catering to a wide range of support scenarios. However, the lack of direct phone support emerges as a notable drawback, potentially a dealbreaker for some users who require immediate assistance. The limited branding control also poses a challenge for businesses seeking extensive customization. For instance, one user expressed frustration, stating, "Zoho assist has no direct phone call support, just email support." Another user highlighted the inability to display two monitors simultaneously using the preferred Windows native client, a significant limitation for those needing multi-monitor access. Despite these drawbacks, Zoho Assist's compatibility across various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android, along with its seamless integration with other Zoho products, significantly enhances its value proposition. This integration is particularly beneficial for businesses already entrenched in the Zoho ecosystem, enabling smoother workflows and enhanced team collaboration. In conclusion, Zoho Assist proves to be a robust and reliable remote support solution best suited for businesses prioritizing ease of use, affordability, and strong security, especially those already invested in the Zoho ecosystem.

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Is Parallels Desktop truly parallel to its competitors, or does it fall short? User reviews from the last year paint a largely positive picture of Parallels Desktop, particularly for its ability to seamlessly blend the Windows and macOS experiences. Users rave about Coherence Mode, which allows them to run Windows applications as if they were native to macOS, making multitasking and file sharing a breeze. This tight integration is a key differentiator for Parallels Desktop, as it eliminates the need to constantly switch between operating systems, boosting productivity for users who rely on both Windows and macOS applications. Imagine having a toolbox where you can effortlessly grab the right tool for the job, regardless of whether it's designed for woodworking or metalworking – that's the kind of convenience Parallels Desktop offers.However, some users find the pricing structure to be a sticking point, especially for personal use, with some feeling that the cost outweighs the benefits if they only occasionally need Windows applications. Additionally, the App Store version of Parallels Desktop has been criticized for lacking certain features compared to the full version, which can be a source of frustration for users who unknowingly purchase the less-featured version. Overall, Parallels Desktop shines as a robust solution for Mac users who frequently require access to Windows software, particularly those who value a seamless and integrated experience. Its ability to effortlessly bridge the gap between Windows and macOS, coupled with its impressive performance, makes it a worthwhile investment for users who rely on both operating systems for their daily workflow.

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