Inara Systems Desktop vs Shells
Inara Systems Desktop
inarasystems.co.ukShells
shells.comSide by side
| Figure | Inara Systems Desktop | Shells |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | £29.99/mo | $14.95/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 3 |
| Spec score · Desktop as a Service Software | 7.7 (#8) | 7.9 (#5) |
| Product | Inara Desktop is a virtual desktop service that runs email, applications, business data and office packages in the provider’s UK data centres for remote access. | Shells provides a cloud virtual desktop that can be accessed from any device, including tablets and phones. |
| Security | The provider says data is stored in secure UK data centres and protected with SSL encryption of the kind used for online banking and secure payments. | The homepage states that Shells uses firewalls and end-to-end encryption. |
Plans
Inara Systems Desktop
- Bronze£29.99 a month
- Silver£34.99 a month
- Gold£39.99 a month
- Platinum£49.99 a month
In their own words
Inara Systems Desktop
Inara Systems Desktop is a virtual desktop service that hosts email, business data, applications and office packages in UK data centres for remote access. It runs on Citrix in the Inara Cloud, and users can connect over the internet from supported devices. Listed hosted applications include Digita, IRIS, BTC Solution Suite, Moneysoft Payroll Manager, Sage, Intuit QuickBooks, Virtual Cabinet and DocuSoft; MS Office and Exchange Email are optional additions. Customers can install and configure applications and adjust desktop preferences. The provider describes secure UK data centres, SSL encryption, load-balanced replication and daily server snapshots; Granular Backup is optional. Workspace downloads are listed for macOS 10.11 or newer, Windows 10 or newer, Android and iOS 11 or newer, while the FAQ also names Linux. Plans are priced per user per month: Bronze from £29.99, Silver £34.99, Gold £39.99 and Platinum £49.99. Remote and on-site training and a UK service desk are listed.
Shells
Shells provides a cloud virtual desktop that can be accessed from devices including phones and tablets. Users can choose among multiple Linux distributions and access desktop applications from other device operating systems. Files can be downloaded, stored, opened, and edited across devices through the cloud desktop, and Shells says user data is backed up automatically. The company also states that it uses firewalls and end-to-end encryption. Shells identifies students, coders, workers, and small businesses as audiences, and says users can launch a virtual desktop in less than five minutes. Listed access platforms are web, iOS, and Android; the “Works with” list also names Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Android TV, PlayStation, Xbox, Oculus, and Tesla. Cloud desktop applications can include LibreOffice, OnlyOffice, or another document editor. Shells also describes dedicated virtual desktops for AI assistants with controlled access and persistent memory. A risk-free 7-day offer is advertised. The paid plans listed are Shells Basic at $14.95 a month, Shells Plus at $22.95 a month, and Shells Pro at $39.95 a month.