Organizations of all sizes looking for computing solutions should consider Desktop as a Service (DaaS), a type of virtual computing that has become especially popular recently due to advances in cloud computing technology.
However, many organizations do not fully understand what DaaS is, how it is different from VDI, or whether it is the right solution for their computing needs. This article will explain how Desktop as a Service works and how to determine if it is right for your organization’s needs.
In its simplest terms, Desktop as a Service refers to a cloud-based technology that permits users to access remote desktops from a variety of devices. Recent advances in cloud computing technology have allowed network administrators to easily set up new computing environments via DaaS.
In the past, setting up a working network required purchasing tens, hundreds, or even thousands of computer terminals then installing a desktop to each machine. This was extremely time-consuming and expensive.
Plus, when there was a problem on a machine connected to the network, an IT manager needed to personally fix the computer or re-ghost the hard drive over the network.
Now, instead of this cumbersome process, serving a desktop to a network connected computer only requires minimal application installation and setup. A remote server creates virtual desktops which are accessed via an interface that may be accessible across a variety of devices – laptops, tablets, smartphones, and others. In fact, most DaaS solutions only require a minimum 3G connection to access a virtualized desktop.
This delivers a simplified computing experience for users that is consistent across all devices, enabling IT managers to have centralized control and integrated security.
Benefits
Desktop as a Service delivers many unique benefits to the organizations that use it:
- Users can work from nearly any device or location. This can provide organizations with a BYOD (“Bring Your Own Device”) policy resulting in significant cost savings as workers access their desktops from personal laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other devices.
- All data is stored on a centralized server instead of individual devices, helping to keep data secure in case a device (such as a laptop) is lost or stolen. Security features like VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) ensure data is encrypted during transmission to and from the server.
- Files can be automatically backed up on the server, eliminating the need for individual device backups – no matter what happens to the hardware in an office, desktops will still be available to anyone with an internet connection.
- Scaling with virtualized desktop solutions is cost-effective and easier than traditional network infrastructures; most virtual desktop solutions often charge per user on a monthly basis.
- Easier system-wide upgrades: updates performed on the server are then served to all virtualized computing environments