What is Desktop as a Service (DaaS)?

What is DaaS?

Remote work is dominating the employment landscape. A Gallup poll revealed that nearly half of full-time employees work at home in some capacity. But what are these employers using to power these remote workers?  They’re using a desktop as a service.  Ok, but what is desktop as a service? Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a method of virtualizing your business’s desktop. It separates the desktop user experience from the physical client device.  In a sense, it’s a way of delivering your work desktop functions, files, and software wherever you are. DaaS uses a public cloud provider, like Summit Hosting, to provide the physical data center instead of relying on an on-site data center. Technological requirements are one of the most significant costs associated with operating a business. Cloud computing offers an infrastructure that enables enterprises to focus capital on other projects.  Discover how DaaS works, some significant benefits of implementing a virtual desktop, and when using DaaS might be right for you. When deciding whom to partner with, choose Summit Hosting, the industry leader in cloud hosting services. Summit Hosting is always on and always secure, keeping your business running!  

How Does DaaS Work?

Desktop as a Service (DaaS) comes from the same vein as software as a service (SaaS) but intends to provide either virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) or remote desktop protocol (RDP).  That’s a lot to digest. Let’s break down what all those acronyms mean. 

• DaaS – Desktop as a Service is where a cloud service provider, like Summit Hosting, hosts infrastructure, network resources, and data on the cloud. You then access those resources through a virtual desktop where workspaces are now available from anywhere.
• VDI – Virtual desktop infrastructure uses a machine to facilitate virtual desktops. Businesses have VDIs running on their local data centers and use virtual machines (VMs) to create desktop virtualization. A VDI solution can help stem excess IT-related issues related to maintenance and upgrading equipment. 
• SaaS – Software as a service takes expensive software that once lived on your local device and turns it into a monthly subscription service. Businesses often pair Saas with desktop services to create a remote working environment. 
• RDP – Remote desktop protocol is like VDI in that you create a virtual desktop, but the entire system is virtual. When combined with SaaS, a DaaS provider can establish an RDP and provide total remote access for your employees. 

The main idea is that using a DaaS model allows users to log in from their own device and access files and apps your business needs. Each remote desktop runs off an operating system, like windows, and gives the same user experience as a physical device, only virtual.   A DaaS solution eliminates the need for on-premises end users. Your business can run from a laptop and a solid internet connection! 

The Benefits of DaaS

Cloud computing is here to stay, with giants like Microsoft Azure, Amazon AWS, and Citrix investing heavily in cloud infrastructure. While there are critics of every new advancement, understanding the benefits is half the battle to widespread adoption. Here are some benefits you can see should you decide to invest in a desktop as a service. 

• Faster IT support – There’s never a convenient time for disaster to strike. A DaaS solution can help simplify disaster recovery through redundancies. Businesses can deploy secure remote access allowing you to continue working regardless of unforeseen events. 
• Cost Savings – In-house IT teams are expensive. So are new machines, extra storage, and new software. Trade out these huge upfront investments for a monthly pricing structure that’s more cost-effective without sacrificing high performance. Plus, with remote desktops, you can implement BYOD programs that further reduce the investment needed to hire new employees.  
• Increased data security – Once upon a time, the only way to protect sensitive data was by implementing private clouds and on-premises data centers. Today, staying up-to-date with security is just as expensive, if not more, than maintaining performance. Summit Hosting provides a level of protection you can’t get on a modest budget. You’ll enjoy multi-factor authentication, nightly backups, and SSAE 18-certified dedicated servers! 
• Scalability – Growth shouldn’t set you back financially, and with a DaaS solution, you no longer need to invest in new equipment. When you’re ready to take on more use cases, subscribe for additional resources. The scalability is particularly nice for businesses with large seasonal workforces as you can scale up or back depending on business needs. 
• Access flexibility – Cloud-based solutions are easy to use. Of course, the reduced need for IT professionals may have some worried about permission assignments and new user creation. Many DaaS vendors provide an easy-to-use platform for a single point of control, allowing for streamlined flexibility to access. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for businesses that work with contractors who need access to corporate software. 

Of course, these are just a handful of the benefits of DaaS. Your ability to operate remotely opens the door for larger talent pools, happier employees, and improved productivity. Partner with Summit Hosting to see how easy it is to run even the most resource-heavy software like Sage or QuickBooks. 

When to Use DaaS

Ok, so you’ve explored the benefits of DaaS and learned how it works. But how do you know if jumping into the DaaS market is right for your business? DaaS can help optimize your business, but there are some instances where it might not be ideal for whatever type of work you do. 

• DaaS vs. VDI – Shifting to a completely cloud-based system might not be practical for some organizations, especially those looking to establish a hybrid-cloud system. VDI provides the virtual desktop element with an on-premises data center. This type of system allows businesses to maintain control over access, storage, and security while offering a level of remote access. 
• DaaS vs. SaaS – Entire desktop environments are more demanding and costly compared to software solutions. It would help if you had additional technology and provisioning of servers to create a seamless experience. SaaS is a better solution for those who use only a few pieces of software. Software like ACT tax services finds hosting through companies like Summit Hosting to provide access via web browsers. 
• Daas and SaaS – The power couple in the tech industry is combining the virtual desktop with cloud-based apps. This combination is perfect for start-ups or companies that rely on an almost entirely remote workforce. You’ll find accountants, legal providers, and retailers shifting to the cloud and reaping the benefits. If you decide that your business belongs in the cloud, then a DaaS and SaaS combination can save you time and money. 

Build Your Ideal Server with Summit Hosting

Tech people love to make things sound scarier than they really are. Despite a bunch of crazy acronyms like Saas, VDI, and VMs, the concept of desktop as a service isn’t terrifying; it’s inspiring as your entire business can function in the cloud. Plus, when you remove the burden of maintaining and upgrading your computing infrastructure, you save money, improve productivity, and tighten security.  When it comes to hosting, there’s no better option than Summit Hosting. Your company has access to a dedicated server with enough capacity to handle the most resource-hungry apps and industry-leading security that outshines on-site solutions. Enjoy 24/7 support with experts and a prized 99% uptime. Try Summit Hosting today and see how the cloud is the computing solution you’ve been looking for!