Desktop as a Service (or DaaS as it’s known) could be the perfect fit for your business. Countless UK businesses – small and large – utilise DaaS every day, and for good reason. It saves businesses money and time, improves security and it’s scalable too, but what exactly is Desktop as a Service? And would it work for your company?
If you’re unsure what all the fuss is about, this post is for you. Read on for a definition and learn how your business can take advantage of the many benefits of DaaS.
Understanding Desktop as a Service
New to Cloud computing and DaaS? Not sure what Desktop as a Service is? Here’s what you need to know:
DaaS is a Cloud-based service. Cloud-based services are provided by third-party cloud service providers.
- The Cloud is not a cloud or untouchable virtual location. It is essentially data and software that is stored on a large network of servers and accessed via the internet.
- DaaS is also called Hosted Desktop or Virtual Desktop. It offers a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) through a third-party service provider.
- Servers are typically located in large data centres.
- Data centres are large physical locations that house multiple servers.
- DaaS works by allowing users to save data to a ‘virtual’ desktop environment.
- The virtual desktop can be accessed from any device, meaning users can access data from any location (as long as they have an internet connection).
- The service is usually subscription based. Most providers offer monthly flexible packages.
- Service providers takes care of the server maintenance and upkeep.
- DaaS helps businesses stay agile in competitive marketplaces. Want to find out how? Keep reading.
What is Cloud computing?
Cloud computing is simply using the Cloud, instead of a single device, to manage and store data. Instead of saving files to a single device (your office desktop, for example), when you store your files on a virtual desktop, you are storing them away from the physical device and placing them in the Cloud environment.
With your files in the Cloud, you are then able to access them from anywhere with an internet connection. You simply log on and bring them to you.
What are the benefits of Desktop as a Service?
DaaS removes the limitations of traditional desktop setups. Before cloud-based Hosted Desktop services became such a cost-effective and affordable solution for smaller businesses, most companies relied on the desktop and storage capabilities within each individual device.
There are many benefits of using Desktop as a Service:
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Anytime, anywhere access
If you have an internet connection, you can log in to your desktop and access your files. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for businesses all across the world.
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Reduced costs
All data centre server maintenance is taken care of by the service provider and included in the fixed monthly price for the service. Should any software upgrades be necessary, the provider will typically take care of them too.
And, since data will be stored in a secure data centre, there’s no need for businesses to rely on their own outdated, energy-sapping in-house servers.
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Supports multiple users
DaaS supports multiple users so it is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. You will no longer have to worry about installing software or apps on multiple desktops. Instead, you can simply set up all your software on your virtual desktop and all of your team will have access.
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Security
When data is stored on a single device it is vulnerable. In a traditional setup, if a computer (whether it’s a desktop, laptop or smartphone) is stolen, all the data it contains is taken too. Likewise, if a computer is damaged or infected with a ransomware virus, there’s little chance of retrieving the data. It’s lost forever.
The beauty of DaaS is that data is freed from a single device and stored within the safety of a dedicated data centre. Data centres are protected by cutting edge security protocols and regularly maintained to ensure uptime of 99.9%.
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Data is backed up
Do you rely on a traditional IT set up? If so, think of the devastation a ransomware attack or computer breakdown would inflict on your business. What would you do if you could no longer access your company files? How would your business continue to run?
This nightmare scenario is becoming increasingly common amongst UK businesses. In fact, last year, the number of reported cases of cybercrime against British businesses increased by 22%.
With DaaS, because data is no longer confined to a single device, should anything go wrong with any of your business desktops, your data will remain safe and easily accessible. How? The DaaS provider typically secures the data and backs it up. This means that should anything happen to your invaluable business data, there’s always a way of retrieving it.
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Flexible working
Cloud-based desktop services improve productivity and performance in the workplace. Team members can share and collaborate on files quickly and easily, whilst anytime, anywhere access gives businesses and their staff more freedom and flexibility.
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Weather and travel proof
Extreme weather events and transport delays can wreak havoc on business continuity. When businesses rely on staff being physically located in the office for any work to be done, the slightest problem with traffic, weather or public transport can lead to massive project delays and even lost clients.
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Level the playing field
Long gone are the days when only the largest businesses could afford the freedom and flexibility of Cloud services. Today, Cloud-based services are readily available to all. The result is that smaller businesses are now much better equipped to compete with their larger competitors.
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Budget friendly
DaaS providers typically offer this service on a pay monthly basis. The cost paid per month is usually fixed which greatly simplifies budgeting and cash flow forecasts. Should your requirement change, there are often no long contracts to worry about, so scaling up or down your service package is simple and straightforward.
In a traditional office setup, IT maintenance and upgrade costs can quickly spiral out of control. And don’t forget, with pay monthly DaaS, the service provider takes care of routine server maintenance and upgrades.
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Greener
Using DaaS can significantly lower a company’s energy requirements because fewer pieces of hardware need to be powered to deliver data storage and access. Lower energy requirements lead to a smaller carbon footprint and, ultimately, a more environmentally friendly organisation.
Although data is still stored in large data centres, which too require power, these centres are becoming increasingly focused on developing greener solutions. These greener datacentres are not only more environmentally-friendly, they help to reduce power costs for businesses too.
Arrange your free Hosted Desktop trial
Think your business could benefit from the freedom and flexibility of Desktop as a Service? At Green Cloud Hosting, we’re so confident in the quality of our Hosted Desktop services that we offer all new clients a free 14-day trial.
All packages include 24/7 UK telephone support, free migration and setup, and are hosted in UK ISO27001 certified datacentres. For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. Simply call 0161 979 0691 or email info@greencloudhosting.co.uk. We look forward to helping you maximise the potential of the Cloud.
