Desktop as a Service (also known as DaaS) is a subscription-style IT service that is growing in popularity and is a really cost-effective, efficient solution for lots of organisations.
If you're thinking of moving to Desktop as a Service, you need to know if it's right for your company - what are the benefits, how much does it cost, will it put you at an advantage to your competitors? All of this will have a bearing on whether or not you choose DaaS.
This blog explains simply what DaaS is in both senses of the word, and how it could help your business.
What is Desktop as a Service (DaaS)?
Desktop as a Service is an IT solution in which a service provider (like Core) provides an organisation with their desktop including all the apps and files they need, by hosting it in the cloud for them. This means that the organisation can access their own desktop on any device at any time, simply by logging in. For this service, the organisation (customer) pays a monthly fee, usually per user, to the service provider.
Read more on what is Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
How does Desktop as a Service work?
Desktop as a Service is a cloud computing solution. The desktop that you access when you log into your computer is hosted by the provider in the cloud; this means it's accessed via an internet connection and doesn't 'live' inside your device. Because your desktop is in the cloud, you can access it from any computer, anywhere; you don't have to be using your personal laptop or in the office. This is great for keeping companies flexible and mobile, and for allowing remote working.
Who does Desktop as a Service benefit?
Desktop as a Service is a convenient and reliable IT solution for organisations of every kind. It is particularly beneficial to companies with a large number of remote workers and those that need to be adaptable and flexible in their approach to work, accessing their desktop on multiple devices and on the go. Desktop as a Service is the perfect solution to enable mobile working, so any company with an interest in that should explore the DaaS.
Why should we use Desktop as a Service?
Desktop as a Service has many benefits, including:
Flexible, remote working - The benefit and major attraction of all cloud-based solutions is that they offer remote access, and this is true with Desktop as a Service. Because your desktop can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, your staff can work remotely really easily - and it's totally secure.
Value for money – Desktop as a Service is provided at a per user per month cost, so you only ever pay for the exact number of desktops you need. Security and support are included, and you don’t have to pay for regular updates either, as your desktop provider will perform these for you.
More secure – your desktop is totally secure and comes with round-the-clock monitoring, so any security threats are detected immediately and can be intercepted. Because the desktop ‘lives’ in the cloud and not on your device, it also means your desktop is still secure even if your device is lost or stolen.
For more information on the benefits of Desktop as a Service, click here.
How much does Desktop as a Service cost?
The cost of Desktop as a Service varies between providers, but you will usually be charged on a per user per month basis, which makes it very cost-effective. A few ‘free’ Desktop as a Service solutions are available online, but these offer an inferior service and usually come with lots of catches - they are usually not all they seem. It is always better to pay for a service that gives you everything you need, is totally secure and represents good value.
Is Desktop as a Service secure?
Desktop as a Service is a very secure IT solution. Your desktop will have built-in security measures. These include intrusion detection and prevention to spot and block potential threats immediately. Because your desktop is provided as a service and doesn’t ‘live’ in your device, it also means theft or loss of your laptop is less of a problem; all your files, apps and data will still be available in the cloud and accessible from another device.
