Desktop as a Service (DaaS)

Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a cloud computing offering that enables businesses to deliver cloud-hosted virtual desktops and applications to any device, from anywhere. DaaS solutions provide complete hosted desktops for applications and email securely delivered over the web. They’re simple to buy and easy to manage, with no software for IT to maintain. So DaaS services are simply the virtualization of your desktop environments in which virtual desktop infrastructure is outsourced to a third-party provider.

DaaS functionality relies on the virtual desktop, which is a user-controlled session or dedicated machine that transforms on-demand cloud services for users and organizations around the world. This is an efficient model in which the service provider manages all the back-end responsibilities that would normally be provided by application software.

Story behind the scene

We all know about the major cloud service models which are generally said to be IaaS(Infrastructure as a service), PaaS(Platform as a service) and SaaS(Software as a Service). I don’t think that you need an explanation about these models since we all live in a cloudy world. So everything is being moved from on-premises to cloud and utilizing the benefits of cloud services. Have you noticed that all these service models are related to your IT infrastructure backbones which were included with hardware such as servers, switches, routers, etc? But as you know your complete IT infrastructure is not just these and it includes devices like desktops, Laptops,  desktop related applications, and tablets. You can see none of the above cloud service models are providing cloud benefits to your desktop virtualization infrastructure. This was the implementation requirement of cloud-native virtual desktop infrastructures(VDI) which will combine the benefit of cloud computing and desktop virtualization which we generally call it DaaS.

Before the generation DaaS, many of the enterprises were making use of virtual desktop infrastructures(VDI) with the help of  Microsoft remote desktop service, Citrix Virtual Apps or VMware Horizon View etc. But things have been changed, people started to adopt cloud computing due to its unbeatable advantages. So eventually these technologies also have been changed cloud-based and known as Windows Virtual Desktop, Citrix Workspace , VMware Horizon Cloud, Amazon Workspaces etc.

DaaS helps alleviate the cost, time, and potential legal implications. Let me tell you one of the practical scenario for DaaS usage. When an employee forgets a laptop on the subway — because the data (and indeed, the entire desktop) is located elsewhere. “Using the DaaS infrastructure means that all applications and data [are] being accessed [more] securely, from the company’s own infrastructure. In a DaaS environment, no sensitive information is stored on a local machine,” she continued.

DaaS Vs VDI(Virtual Desktop Infrastructure)

VDI refers to when virtual desktops are served through on-premise servers maintained by in-house IT teams. It’s the traditional way to deploy and manage virtual desktops. But since it’s on-premise, VDI technology must be maintained, managed, and upgraded in-house whenever necessary. Legacy VDI solutions are complex tools. Not only do they require a complex stack, but they also require purchasing servers and storage and obtaining a data center.

DaaS, on the other hand, is a cloud-based virtual desktop solution that separates virtual desktops from on-premise servers, enabling brands to leverage a third-party hosting provider. It’s like VDI but in the cloud instead of on-premises data centers. 

How does DaaS work

DaaS is offered as a subscription service and is multitenant in nature. The backend virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), including the virtual machines that run desktop operating systems, is hosted by a third-party cloud provider. The DaaS provider then streams the virtual desktops to a customer’s end-user devices. Users can access their desktop or applications as normal as using a VDI infrastructure(through browsers or DaaS provider’s applications). So basically the administration task for in-house IT staff is very less or completely eliminated depending on your subscription. DaaS providers manage the VDI deployment, as well as maintenance, security, upgrades, data backup, and storage. 

Top benefits of DaaS

Flexibility

All employees can access their applications, desktops, and data from anywhere which will help you to keep them productive, no matter where they work.

Scalability

Rapidly scale up and down depending on your business needs, whether that’s M&A, staffing temporary workers during peak seasons, managing developers, or deploying branch offices.

Business continuity

Without dependence on hardware, you can stay up and running in the event of a natural disaster or any other unforeseen event.

Cost control

Pay for only what you use through monthly or yearly subscription models. Plus reduce capital expenses and enjoy more predictable operational expenses.

Security

DaaS provides a secure access point for users and simplifies desktop and app management processes and procedures. Also it will help you to keep the data within your company premises and not individual laptops.

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