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It is here. RDS-to-RAS Migration Tool

As promised earlier, here you have it. Before you download it and give it a try, let me explain a couple things about this v1.0:

  • It is indeed a working progress and I am adding a couple more little things to it.
  • You must run the script/tool on the actual RAS Publishing Agent server (the connection broker) and of course with proper credentials.
  • Make sure the Windows Firewall on the RDS Connection Broker you are pointing to allows that.
  • Things that do work properly:
    • Imports RDS ‘Session Collections’ into RAS ‘Groups’.
    • Imports all the ‘RemoteApps’ in a ‘Session Collection’ as published applications into RAS.
      • If an application is set not to be shown under the RDS Web Access, it will set the application as ‘Disabled’ under RAS.
      • Application folders are supported. It will create on RAS the same folder structure you see on the RDS Web Access (defined using the RDMS).
      • Imports the icon for all RemoteApps.
    • If there are no ‘RemoteApps’ in a ‘Session Collection’ that means a ‘Remote Desktop’ is published (the Citrix ‘Published Desktop’ equivalent). In that case, it does create a RAS ‘Published Desktop’ for that RAS ‘Group’.
  • Things that do not work (yet):
    • I explicitly decided not to install the RAS Agent on the RDS Session Hosts being imported. Firewall could play a role here.

Little warning: I do believe error traps are for wussies. Reason why my script does not check if you entered a proper RDS Connection Broker, RAS PA, etc. I assume you know your shit and can type properly. As you see I have very low standards. Assuming you can type AND you know the server names you have to connect to, the script works great. So if it is not working you can safely assume it is your fault.

Seriously I will add some error checking on the next release. Just wanted to get the tool out so you guys can give it a try.

RDSMigrationGUIDownload

Any questions, suggestions, feedback, etc, drop me a line or leave a comment.

Cheers.

CR

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Microsoft RDS to Parallels RAS Migration Tool

Contrary to what most people may think, I always prefer to use the right tool for the job. Reason why I do believe there is a market for all the EUC products out there. That said, you have to be blind to think any of these are amazing and flawless. Far from that. Citrix Virtual Desktop and Apps has many infuriating things under its belt. The same applies to VMware Horizon, Microsoft RDS and of course Parallels RAS.

That said, if you want a simple and inexpensive product to deliver applications and virtual desktops remotely, and once again, depending on your needs, Parallels RAS may be all you need. As I am quite familiar with the product and I am part of their Parallels VIPP community program, I decided to put together a quick PowerShell based tool, with a proper GUI, to migrate a Microsoft RDS deployment with all its collections, to a Parallels RAS based one.

It is still a work in progress and it should be available quite soon. If anyone is interested on giving it a try, please just let me know and I will contact you.

Cheers.

CR

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