Parallels® today introduced a major update to its Parallels Access app (www.parallels.com/access) for remote access to PCs and Macs. Originally available only on iPad, this release adds support for Android phones and tablets and for the iPhone; it also delivers new features for even better remote experience, and introduces Parallels Access for Business (www.parallels.com/access-business) which lets companies centrally assign, manage, and secure remote access to their computers.

Since the introduction in August 2013, professionals from estate agents to policemen have become more productive with Parallels Access while on the move. It enables them to leave their laptops back in the office and travel light with iPads. For others, from work-from-home parents to business owners, Parallels Access provides insurance for those inevitable, unanticipated events life throws at them: getting a file that is needed now but it's sitting on the computer at home, or completing an urgent project while on the move with only a mobile device.

"Parallels Access received a tremendously positive reception from iPad users, and now we are extending our solution to millions of Android and iPhone users. 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, president of Parallels. "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."

In addition to new platforms, new features include:

Facebook login lets users log in quickly and easily.
Ability to launch desktop applications with a single tap right from the home screen of an Android device.
A new file browser lets iOS users quickly browse and open files on their remote computer using Parallels Access.
Desktop applications that use a microphone can now be used with the microphone on your iOS tablet or smartphone.
Ability to change screen resolution for best fit for different types of devices.
Laura DiDio, principal analyst of ITIC, said, "Parallels Access is a must-have mechanism to remotely access your Windows or Mac applications and files from your tablet or phone. Its breakthrough ‘applification' technology transforms desktop applications and integrates native mobile features and functions so they are fully usable with touch gestures as though they were made for your mobile device." "The result," she added, "is the industry's best Windows and Mac remote access application. Parallels Access is a reliable, fast and intuitive experience that finally makes mobile devices effective productivity tools."

Parallels Access for Business Subscriptions Now Available
Parallels Access for Business subscriptions enable IT admins to centrally manage Parallels Access for their employees, including granting or restricting access and reassigning accounts as needed. Business Account subscriptions start at £34.00 per year for five computers. As a limited-time special offer, Parallels Access for Business will be available for free for unlimited computers until July 31, 2014. Details are available online at www.parallels.com/access-business.