If 2020 showed us anything, it showed us that businesses have had to accommodate an increase of a remote workforce. Even after the pandemic subsides, some organizations will choose to adopt platforms like Desktop as a Service (DaaS) to support their employees working remotely. Businesses that aim to offer remote work options and personal device flexibility can use DaaS to create a digital workspace quickly and easily.
What is Desktop as a Service (DaaS) and How Does it Work?
A Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a cloud computing platform where a service provider delivers virtual desktops to end-users over the internet. Licenses are available for purchase through a subscription model. Users may log in to their virtual desktop from anywhere, via a variety of devices, and their desktop will look the same as when they last visited from a different location or device.
The service provider manages all of the backend administration which typically includes maintenance, back-up, updates, and data storage. Some service providers also handle security and applications for the desktop.
What are The Benefits of a Desktop as a Service (DaaS)?
The benefits of utilizing a Desktop as a Service (DaaS) over a traditional desktop model include flexibility, enhanced security, scalability, and cost control.
Flexibility: With a robust internet connection, a few mouse clicks, and a login, remote users can access a ready-made virtual machine running their applications from anywhere, at any time, from any device. This makes accessing their applications easier than transferring their hardware like laptops to and from the office each day. DaaS also makes certain applications available to remote users that cannot access them through the internet. For example, if an organization uses the popular accounting software, Sage, connecting to the database over the internet can be a long loading process for users so instead, users can access the software much quicker if they are set up on a virtual workstation that is connected to the local company server. Lastly, Desktop as a Service allows users to work from the device of their choosing. A user might choose to work from a PC, a Mac, or tablet if it has the necessary remote desktop software.
Enhanced Security: With DaaS, the security risks are considerably lower compared to a traditional laptop or desktop machine. This is because even if a device was stolen, none of the data is actually stored on the physical device so a thief will not be successful in accessing any sensitive information without a login to the virtual desktop. Also, within the service provider’s database, an organization’s data is protected by built-in security protocols. Sensitive company data can be restricted to only within the virtual infrastructure to avoid the ability to be transferred out of the company’s control.
Scalability: Time is saved to deploy devices because the desktop is already configured exactly how they need to be and just needs to be connected to a new device. For businesses that experience spikes and drops in demand or employees, a DaaS can save the organization time as the desktop can be decommissioned just as quickly as deploying it. When it comes to updates and installing security patches, the DaaS saves IT Administrators valuable time because desktops can be updated simultaneously from a remote location.
Cost Control: To utilize a DaaS platform, local hardware is needed but the device requires less computing power than a traditional desktop machine or laptop therefore it can be less expensive for the initial hardware investment. Since DaaS is subscription-based, an organization can experience more predictable operational expenses. This model allows organizations to add and deactivate any user’s license that is no longer needed and will not be subject to pay for any license that is not in use. With a Desktop as a service, organizations can reduce software license costs, specifically for users who work from multiple devices. An organization can install an application onto a single virtual desktop and only use one license rather than installing the application onto each of the user’s devices, which would require multiple licenses.
How do You Know if Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is The Right Option for Your Organization?
Like all technology, the platform needs to support your organization’s specific needs. Some things you want to consider before choosing to deploy this to your remote workforce is the following:
Do all users have access to quality and reliable internet? Since DaaS is accessed through the internet it is necessary that all users have a robust internet connection. This platform would not be ideal for organizations that have field staff working in remote areas with a slow internet connection as they will likely have trouble accessing their applications to complete their work.
How much training is going to be offered to everyone to ensure they can effectively access the cloud? Some employees may need less instruction than others to connect to the cloud so it is important to understand how your organization will be deploying DaaS to all of your staff. Will your tech support assist, or perhaps your Managed Services Provider will handle the deployment for your entire company?
How important is security for your organization? With applications and desktops in the cloud, data is securely stored and protected against data loss or device theft. Industries such as healthcare, insurance, or financial may find their data is safer in the cloud instead of having the possibility of sensitive information being stored locally to a particular device that could be stolen.
Does your industry rely heavily on displaying graphic-intensive applications? DaaS may not be a good fit as typical graphically-intensive applications have historically required a lot of computing power to display quickly. Recent improvements to DaaS technologies are improving the environment for this kind of user, but careful planning is still required.
Want to Know More About Desktop as a Service (DaaS)?
The benefits of Desktop as a Service can be enough for a company to want to offer it to employees right away but as mentioned there are things to consider before rolling it out. Yardstick Technologies can help your business decide if Desktop as a Service is right for your company.
Send us a message to arrange a time to speak to one of our experts at Yardstick Technologies.
