What is Desktop as a Service (DaaS)?

Desktop as a Service (DaaS) solutions enables you to remotely deploy cloud-based virtual desktops. DaaS is typically centralized via a user-friendly interface, where you can control the management of virtual desktops. DaaS backend is based on virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), but this part of the operation is managed by each DaaS provider.

What is Desktop as a Service (DaaS)?

Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a virtual desktop deployment model in which the virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) technology is hosted in the cloud. It allows organizations to deliver cloud-hosted desktops to their employees and provides them access to their enterprise applications and data from any device, any location, and at any time. Desktop as a service (DaaS) is an offering that provides users with an on-demand, virtualized desktop experience delivered from a remotely hosted location. It includes provisioning, patching, and maintenance of the management plane and resources to host workloads.

In DaaS, the storage, network resources, and other support infrastructure are hosted in the cloud. A DaaS service provider streams the applications and data over a network to the end user’s devices through thin/zero clients, where the employees can access their desktop through client software or a web browser with the necessary authentication.

In the past few months, mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic, DaaS adoption has accelerated at a never-before-seen rate as enterprises need to support their remote workers and provide a secure work environment increased significantly. DaaS offers a reliable and cost-effective remote working option for enterprises to provide their employees with a long-term and sustainable remote working technology that is highly secure and allows employees to access enterprise applications from multiple devices and locations.

How does DaaS work?

DaaS delivers virtual applications and desktop services via a public or private cloud service. Your workforce can access this service through an internet connection via an HTML-based web browser or a secure application downloaded to a device such as a laptop, desktop, thin client, smartphone, or tablet.

DaaS is offered as a subscription service and is multitenant. The backend virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), including virtual machines that run desktop operating systems, is hosted by a third-party cloud service provider. The DaaS provider then streams the virtual desktops to the customer’s end-user devices.

DaaS providers manage the VDI deployment as well as maintenance, security, upgrades, data backup, and storage. And the customer manages the applications and desktop images. DaaS is a good choice for organizations that don’t want to invest in and manage their own on-premises VDI solution.

Advantages of Desktop as a Service (DaaS)

Desktop as a Service (DaaS) offers some clear advantages over a traditional desktop model. Deploying or decommissioning active end users with DaaS is much faster and less expensive.

• Faster deployment and decommissioning of active end-users: The desktop is already configured, it just needs to be connected to a new device. For seasonal businesses that consistently experience spikes and drops in demand or employees, DaaS can save a lot of time and money.
• Reduced downtime for IT support: Desktop as a Service also allows companies to provide remote IT support to their employees, reducing downtime.
• Cost savings: Because the devices that run DaaS require much less computing power than a traditional desktop machine or laptop, they are less expensive and use less power.
• Increased device flexibility: DaaS runs on a variety of operating systems and device types, which supports the trend of users bringing their own devices into the office and shifts the burden of supporting the desktop on all of those devices to the cloud service provider.
• Enhanced security: Because the data is stored in the data center with DaaS, security risks are considerably lower. If a laptop or mobile device is stolen, it can simply be disconnected from the service. Since none of the data lives on that stolen device, the risk of a thief accessing sensitive data is minimal. Security patches and updates are also easier to install in a DaaS environment because all of the desktops can be updated simultaneously from a remote location.

Why DaaS?

Employees expect to access their work from anywhere on any device. And companies are looking for a low-cost, simple solution to securely deliver the apps and desktops people need to get their work done. Traditional PC environments are burdened with IT management challenges ranging from simple employee password resets to complex data security patches and updates. These not only take up valuable time for IT administrators but can also impact the user experience and limit productivity.

While many customers are turning to virtualization, the process often requires capital investments and specialized IT skills. In response, many organizations are looking for a simplified solution that works within an operational expense structure. DaaS can be a viable option for customers that like the centralization, security, and management of VDI but are attracted to the simplicity of having a professional organization perform basic desktop management on their behalf.

Is Desktop as a Service (DaaS) right for your company?

Desktop as a Service, cloud computing, virtual desktop hosting…these terms seem confusing, but don’t let the lingo and acronyms deter you. A whole new way of working is right at your doorstep, providing fully redundant backups, predictable monthly pricing, increased security, and world-class customer support.

However, keep in mind that DaaS is not for everyone!

Many companies may already be quite happy using public cloud services such as Microsoft 365, Salesforce, BambooHR, and many more. They feel their employees are well trained on the company’s IT and security policies and understand best practices.

A DaaS environment might also feel a bit restricted to employees who are used to being able to access any application they want, or download and use specific tools they may need at a moment’s notice.  The flip side is companies who are concerned about being able to securely manage their environment.

This is particularly true for those who must abide by strict industry regulations, including financial firms, legal firms, government contractors, and others. For these types of companies, DaaS can be an absolute necessity. Our best advice is to be sure to talk to a reputable IT consultant before you make the big decision to switch to DaaS!