Parallels Expands Remote Desktop Access Service to iPhones, Android Devices

Cloud services provider Parallels has expanded its desktop access technology to include Apple (AAPL) iPhones and Google (GOOG) Android-based smartphones and tablets, supplying users of those devices with access to their systems from remote locations.

Parallels Access, previously available on Apple’s iPad tablet when it debuted last August, now works on devices running iOS 7 or better and Android 4.0 or higher, the company said. Actually, on Android, Parallels said it supports "most tablets and phones running Android 4.0 and later.” Users’ base computers are required to run either Microsoft (MSFT) Windows 7 or later, Mac OS X Lion (10.7) or a more recent version of Mac OS X.

The developer is charging subscription fees for the remote access service. Its intro offer includes a two-week free trial but thereafter a one-year subscriptions in the United States costs $20, while a two-year signup is priced at $35. Parallels is offering users signing on before the end of this month a two-year subscription for $30. Subscription licenses allow users to access up to five remote computers from as many Android and iOS mobile devices as they choose.

A business version costs $49.99 for a year’s subscription and includes some remote access management tools and security aimed at IT admins. The vendor is offering businesses the software free of charge until July 31.

Parallel’s move to broaden its horizons to include Android devices and the iPhone has plenty of BYOD implications inasmuch as it gives workers carrying their own smartphones and tablets into work the ability to access their home systems from their work setting.

New features include:

“While traditional remote desktop products are trying to show a large desktop on a small mobile device, we worked hard to make remote access from mobile devices a truly simple and effective experience,” said Jack Zubarev, Parallels president. “With this in mind, Parallels Access enables people to interact with full-featured Mac and PC apps with touch gestures just like the apps were made for their iPhone, iPad or Android device.”