Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is the provisioning of remote hosted virtual desktops using a remote server to host personal computer desktops simultaneously. The days of IT professionals marching from computer to computer performing the same tasks on multiple PCs are thankfully over. With desktop as a service, after a major upgrade is integrated, there is no need to perform any tasks at an employee level—in-house or remote. Their machines are effectively the same, all of which are accessing data and applications through the cloud service provider without storing anything locally.

Taking a look at the benefits of desktop as a service, there are a few key points to explore.

 Cost effectiveness:

• One of the key benefits of virtual desktops, compared to traditional workstations, is that DaaS can dramatically reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO). According to an IDC white paper, desktop as a service can reduce hardware 'Capital Expenditure (CAPEX)' by 56% annually and also reduce the 'Operating Expenditure (OPEX)’ annually.
• On average, a virtual desktop costs 2 times less than a traditional PC due to its longer life, absence of a local hard disk, and reduced power consumption.
• Windows 7 upgrade and migrations are forcing organizations to look into expensive upgrades of both the server, desktop and laptop estate. Virtual desktop service, on the other hand, enables companies to reuse their existing hardware and extend the life of the investment they have already made.

 Better security and compliance:

• The problem with personal computers in a business environment is that they can be hacked, lost or stolen. Virtual desktops address this issue quite simply. If there is no sensitive information stored on any hard drive, or if there is no hard drive at all, as is the case with most thin client hardware, there is nothing to steal.
• While traditional PCs face the threat of users downloading malicious files and infecting the corporate LAN, the cloud desktop cannot function as a zombie host and it is quite difficult for viruses to infiltrate through remote displays. Therefore, rendering a virtual desktop carries a low risk in terms of security.
• Organizations with virtual desktops can centralize updates at the remote location; continuous data backup and synchronization means compliance is now an easier task.

 Mobility:

• Ever tried to work from home but forgot your USB stick containing all your recent work documents at the office? Now think about hibernating your virtual desktop at the office and resuming that same virtual desktop at home with all your windows still opened. Moreover, desktop as a service keeps remote workers connected.
• With a virtual desktop, you can access your complete personal PC desktop experience from anywhere, using any device, including iPads, Macbooks, tablets and other mobile devices, as well as your existing desktops, laptops and thin clients. You can access both Microsoft Windows and Linux-based operating systems on your device.

Flexibility:

• Virtual desktops are implemented and scaled quickly. Deployment of new software, applications, and updates takes minutes instead of days.
• Virtual desktop service can remove application compatibility issues with all applications running on all systems.
• Desktop scalability without additional CAPEX.

Moreover, ‘Desktop as a Service’ (DaaS) provides companies with a ready-made disaster recovery (DR) strategy to get their desktops up and running quickly after any disaster. Thus, with a virtual desktop, you are not only reducing the costs of managing IT, but you are expanding the reach of your organization by making your employees more mobile and responsive.

Want to take a test drive? Click here to request a free demo of your hosted virtual desktop.