Parallels, the company behind popular virtualization software Parallels, has launched a new iPad app and subscription service called Parallels Access that allows iPad and iPad mini users to remotely access and use their Mac or Windows apps on the device.
With Parallels Access you can increase your productivity by accessing your computers and desktop applications from anywhere. You are able to access your professional business applications and get all your entertainment such as streaming video from your Mac or PC onto your iPad. And do it as though all your Windows and Mac applications were designed for your iPad.
The app allows users to interact with their desktop apps in the same way they would interact with their iPad apps, with the full range of iPad gestures available for compatible apps. Parallels Access translates what would usually be mouse clicks and movements into iPad-friendly alternatives.
Users must download the free Parallels Access Desktop app to their computer of choice in addition to the app on the iPad. They can then access their desktop apps via the Sprinboard-like App Launcher and switch between apps in the iOS-like App Switcher. The apps are only available to use on the iPad in "full screen" mode.
The app, though free, requires a subscription service and costs $79.99 a year per computer running a registered client. Parallels offers a free 14-day trial that allows users to test the app before purchasing.
Parallels Access is available for free for the iPad and iPad mini [Direct Link]
Top Rated Comments
I am not prepared to incur [large] recurring payments for a non-service (e.g. not like Dropbox, Pandora, etc.) application.
On the flip side, the number of users pirating their other mac software, the pool of potential real customers is probably quite small and pushed them to this approach.