Many high-profile companies offer DaaS solutions including Citrix, Microsoft (Windows Virtual Desktop), Amazon Web Services (WorkSpaces), MTM Technologies (AnywhereApp) and VMware (Horizon Cloud). In this post, we run through some of the major benefits of Desktop as a Service or DaaS and why it is becoming so popular among today’s enterprises.

What Is DaaS?

Desktop as a service (DaaS) is an exciting cloud-based technology that lets businesses deliver virtual desktops to any device from anywhere. Client devices act as a conduit for remote desktop processing without the need for onboard hardware, delivering organisations a host of benefits that simply aren’t possible when operating systems must operate natively.

How Does DaaS Work?

Under a DaaS setup, a cloud services provider maintains all of the infrastructure, network resources and storage required to deliver virtual desktops to end-user devices. Organisations then purchase virtual desktops in the quantities they need. Their fees compensate providers for server running costs, maintenance and staff wages.

In the past, running graphically or computationally-intensive tasks using DaaS was difficult, for example graphic design and video editing software can use a lot of resources. Most organisations used the service for basic productivity tasks such as order processing. However, new technology is changing this, allowing more advanced work, such as CAD, to be done over the cloud without the need for local graphics accelerators.

The Benefits of Desktop as a Service

Here are some of the reasons why companies are so enchanted by DaaS:

Increased Productivity

Companies are coming to increasingly accept the productivity advantages of the cloud. 80 percent of professionals report that cloud tools make them more productive. Drivers of productivity include more responsive tools and the ability to seamlessly collaborate with colleagues anywhere in the world.

Greener Operating

DaaS also helps companies achieve their green objectives. Virtual desktops reduce energy requirements, extend PC life and allow for more flexible working. Colleagues no longer have to travel to the office to access business portals. Companies can make tools available to staff on their home computers via the cloud.

Higher Consistency

IT professionals often struggle to achieve consistency across terminals in legacy networks. Keeping all computers at the same point is a challenge given the number of updates and individual PC idiosyncrasies. Workers can sometimes find it challenging to fluidly transition from one endpoint to another, making hot-desking setups impractical.

DaaS changes this by delivering identical desktop experiences to all users. All backend investments show up as improved desktop experiences immediately, without costly delays or downtime.

Improved Business Continuity

According to estimates from Citrix, DaaS service providers are expecting the market to grow between 15 and 50 percent over the coming years. Demand, they say, is being driven by the fact that DaaS offers a low-cost backup that is superior to a secondary site. Cloud DaaS providers can simply distribute company data across multiple servers in real-time, negating the need for brands to maintain a separate backup site.

Better Alignment With Business Needs

Companies regularly need to scale their IT networks to accommodate increased business needs. But building a setup that can respond in real-time is notoriously challenging. Successful brands often find themselves over-provisioned, sinking their capital into expensive IT projects.

DaaS resolves this issue by providing the additional capacity firms need virtually. Organisations can set up role-based desktops wherever users can find physical hardware – including their home-based machines.

Enhanced Security

DaaS providers are often keen to plough large sums of money into maintaining security to protect their reputations. A single breach could cause them to haemorrhage dozens of clients. Because of this, security tends to be better on DaaS-based systems.

There are also intrinsic reasons why DaaS is more secure. For instance:

• Companies no longer need to hold data on vulnerable local devices
• DaaS providers can set up multi-factor authentication
• DaaS providers can back up information and store it at multiple distal sites

Lower Operating Costs

Data suggests that shifting to DaaS can save businesses up to 50 percent off their average networking costs. Such enormous savings are possible because DaaS removes the need to hire multiple in-house IT professionals. It also redirects internal resources to more productive activities.

Reduce Capital Expenditure

IT capital investment represents a significant opportunity cost. Whenever firms invest in their networks, they implicitly make a decision to forgo investments elsewhere.

DaaS helps to put an end to this cycle. Instead of paying large sums of money every few years for new computer terminals and servers, companies simply pay monthly fees for the virtual desktop services that they need.

If you believe your company would like to explore the benefits of Desktop as a Service, contact Anywhere Technologies. We can assist you in setting up virtual desktops and help you bring down your overall IT costs.