Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a type of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), where a third-party supplier outsources and manages the virtual infrastructure. It is provided as a Cloud Service to the customers, along with the apps that are needed for Virtual Space. DaaS is a worthy solution for organizations as it provides them a solution of greater flexibility, administration ease, and helping organizations save costs.
Types of Virtual Desktop (VD) Deployments
You can deploy VDs mainly as Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) or Desktop as a Service (DaaS). Let’s briefly highlight the differences between the two.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
In a VDI solution, VDs are served from a server or data center that is located and maintained on the organization’s own premises. In the case of VDI, all the support hardware is also the responsibility of the deploying entity, which makes is a costly model.
Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
In the case of DaaS, VDs are served from the data centers of a third party CSP over the internet. The main advantage of DaaS over VDI is that all the requisite hardware is the sole responsibility of the Cloud Provider, which makes it a hassle-free option.
Advantages of DaaS
It is quite obvious from the above explanation that DaaS is a much preferable deployment model for Virtual Machines as compared to VDI. Some of the other main advantages of a DaaS solution are as under:
Ease of Management
In DaaS, all the hardware is maintained by the CSP, so the cloud tenant does not have to worry about the capital and administrative expenses of maintaining hardware.
Accessibility
DaaS enables users to access their VDs round the clock, whether from the workplace or home using a wide range of login devices such as a tablet, laptop or desktop. All the user needs is an internet connection, a login device, and the correct credentials to access the VD and execute organizational tasks.
Scalability
As the operational needs of an organization change, the DaaS solution can also be scaled up or down as your needs change. No additional hardware would be required for this.
Cost Savings
By going for DaaS, the deploying entity firstly saves capital and administrative expenses by minimizing its hardware footprint. Secondly, in DaaS, the cloud tenant is billed on a “pay as you use” model. This makes planning extremely easy for organizations that go for a DaaS solution.
Security
Data security is a major concern for most organizations. In a DaaS model, all the business-critical data of an entity is securely housed in the data centers of the CSP. CSPs employ a wide array of data security measures such as firewalls, authentication, malware protection, encryption and much more.
Productivity
Using DaaS, users can access their work virtually round the clock, even from the comfort of their homes or while traveling. This is great for employee productivity and motivation.
Customizability
Whether it’s a basic DaaS setup for routine tasks or highly specialized enterprise and productivity software, you can easily integrate them with your VDs. Modern CSPs offer a wide range of augmented solutions alongside their VDs which a cloud tenant can subscribe for, depending on the organization’s workload needs.
Business Continuity
A DaaS solution is ideal for business continuity, especially in the wake of disruptive conditions such as natural disasters or epidemics. Employees can remain fully productive without showing up physically at the workplace, which ensures business continuity even in extraordinary circumstances.