DaaS is a relatively new concept in the cloud computing sector. However, its benefits are countless, and it offers endless possibilities to Managed Service Providers (MSPs), startups, small to large businesses, fully remote organizations, hybrid workplaces, and so on. DaaS adoption is growing at an increasing pace. Hence, it is the right resource if you are planning to enter the cloud computing business or need to choose one such model for your existing business. Continue reading to get in-depth knowledge on DaaS to make the right decision.
What Is Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS)?
DaaS enables bringing your own device (BYOD) to the workplace or for remote working. Businesses subscribe to a per-user licensing model to get virtual desktops from managed service providers or DaaS providers. Since you or your team will be accessing a cloud desktop computer, most devices are supported for using DaaS service. The service provider manages the workstations from their central server, and provisions the required computational resources like memory, processing speed, GPU, storage, etc. Hence, you can use a smartphone, Chrome Book, laptop, or desktop to access high-end computing infrastructure on the cloud.
Market Trend and Adoption Rate for DaaS
The DaaS market has great business potential. Future Market Insights report says that the overall DaaS market cap will reach $5.5 billion by the end of 2022. Also, by the end of 2029, this technology service sector will reach the $17.8 billion mark. The Compound Annual Growth Rate from 2022 to 2029 will be 18.1%. Sectors like media and entertainment, BFSI, manufacturing, education, software development, gaming, etc., are showing increasing interest to adopt DaaS services. Since DaaS is an affordable way of digitizing workflows and processes, several governments are also showing a keen interest. The famous “The Year of VDI” survey data says that 48% of the financial industry has already adopted the DaaS model. And the second in this race is the healthcare industry which stands at 47%.
Why Do Businesses Need DaaS?
There are some fundamental issues with using bare metal IT infrastructure. For example:
Sourcing and assembling appropriate IT infrastructure hardware is a tedious job.Once you source these workstations, you need to recruit IT administrators to manage the systems.You also should be prepared to manage maintenance, repairs, and replacements of computer parts and accessories.The cost of ownership for such assets also increases when you need a secure system facility.Remote work becomes highly limited or not feasible at all.If you need to send employees on remote work, you must arrange transportation of existing workstations and take the additional stress of confidential data security.Workstation virtualization is another costly affair and hence readily declined by businesses.
Finally, employees also love DaaS over physical workstations because they can access their work from anywhere, anytime, over the internet without worrying about business data safety.
Benefits of DaaS
Be the First Mover
Desktop-as-a-Service brings endless possibilities for business and productivity in the cloud computing ecosystem. Here are the advantages that you can expect: DaaS is still a new concept of cloud computing. If you are an MSP and want to expand business opportunities, start offering this service to your existing clients. Also, look for new clients and enjoy the benefit of becoming the first mover in the industry.
Full Control Over Virtual Machines
Organizations can install their business apps, ERPs, integrated software development environments (IDEs), CRMs, and more. Furthermore, IT managers can change the operating system whenever they want.
Get High-End Computing
DaaS workstations offer high-speed downloads, HD telecommunication over virtual conferencing apps, faster video editing, complex graphics designing, animated media rendering, and so on. To avail of the above, you do not need to upgrade your systems. Moreover, small handheld devices are compatible.
Get Rid of IT Infrastructure Management
You can save business operational costs like IT hardware, accessories, sophisticated workplace facilities, 24×7 electricity, workplace security, etc.
Focus on Business
You and your team can do more business quickly and affordably using virtual computing. No worries about data security, IT maintenance, stolen devices, etc.
Working of DaaS
The working of a DaaS solution is dependent on the following functional roles:
The DaaS Service Provider
The service provisioning agency will host all the necessary hardware, software, and network resources to offer a streamlined virtual desktop experience. A DaaS service provider streams a virtual workstation to the user’s device, like a laptop, desktop, mobile, etc. Irrespective of the quality of the DaaS instance, like a high-performance PC or regular PC, the user can use any device. The MSP can also provide a lightweight client app to access virtual desktop instances utilizing the internet securely.
The User
Users only need a regular computer to access virtual computing resources via the internet. Sometimes tablets, smart TVs, and smartphones are also eligible to access desktops on the cloud. The entire service is end-to-end integrated, and straightforward to use. Hence, users do not need the training to use virtual computing instances.
The DaaS Service Owner
Business owners need to sign up for a Desktop-as-a-Service subscription from any MSP. However, they need to choose the right number of users, workstations, shared memory, download capability, GPUs, CPUs, etc., so that the virtual workstation meets the computation requirement of the company. They can easily enable or disable access to one or all computing instances. If an employee reports their device got stolen, the employer can shut down the virtual computer to prevent data theft.
Types of DaaS Deployments
DaaS products are currently in their nascent stages. As of today, there are just two types of virtual computing instances you can choose from, and these are:
Persistent Virtual Desktops
Such virtual workstations are online versions of bare metal computers. Your employees will get their user profile on one or many PCs. They can set up the PC how they like and customize themes, wallpapers, apps, and more. The central server will save all the changes when the user shuts down the PC. Such DaaS deployments are premium and come at a higher cost.
Non-Persistent Virtual Desktops
Such cloud desktops are simply a gateway to access shred cloud computing resources stored on a central server. Your employees will not be able to customize the workstations. They will only be able to access the apps and data you want them to access. These are cheap and popular among businesses with limited resources.
How Does DaaS Differ From VDI
Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and DaaS enable users to access remote desktops over a local network or Internet from their own devices. However, there are some fundamental differences, and these are:
The business needs to host and build the VDI. On the contrary, companies can consume DaaS through pay per usage plan.If you use VDI, you will manage a costly IT infrastructure. With DaaS, on the other hand, you focus on working, not the infrastructure.VDIs come with fixed workloads, and scaling up is time taking. DaaS is just the opposite. You can sign up for more virtual PCs if you need to scale up or end the contract for some PCs to scale down.
How to Choose the Right DaaS Providers
Consider the following when signing up for a Desktop-as-a-Service solution:
User-Friendly Interface
The application to access the DaaS should be as simple as possible. Moreover, it would be great if users could access the virtual instance using a web browser.
Data Compliance and Security
The DaaS provider should use popular security protocols like PCI DSS, HIPAA, AES, SSL, etc., to protect data during transit and at rest. The virtual computer should also have content protection features like copy protection, screenshot protection, email attachment scanning, printing protection, etc.
Minimum Cost of Ownership
The vendor offers the least cost per user per shared unit without compromising the security, standard, and after-sales service.
Compatibility
Choose DaaS units that support all the business apps and suit your team will use.
Recovery and Backup
There should be an automatic backup of workstation sessions and one-click recovery of work data should there be any system failures from the DaaS service provider’s end.
Top DaaS Providers
Now that you have gone through a detailed discussion on Desktop-as-a-Service, it is time to know the names of the top DaaS providers in the market. Find below the reliable brands:
V2 Cloud
V2 Cloud is a popular destination for all things DaaS. It offers fully integrated DaaS solutions to anyone, whether serving clients, managing your own business, or running an academic institution. V2 Cloud understands that you need to handle whatever best you do and do not need to hire or train employees or students to become cloud computing specialists. Its virtual desktop service provisioning is pretty simple and requires only 20 minutes to set up a new virtual computing workstation. It also offers the dual monitor feature for software engineers, developers, programmers, designers, and customer service representatives who need to open multiple software and tools for productive work. If you are anyone from the following list of functional roles, V2 Cloud is a must-try:
IT manager simplifies IT management by moving all the workstations to the cloud.Software, mobile app, and website developer want to access different operating systems without investing much in IT hardware.Business owners require maximum security and minimum IT management.MSP is looking to enter the DaaS business for high-profit margins and offering a one-stop solution to clients.
V2 Cloud’s subscription offerings start from the basic to the enterprise level. You choose the number of users, backup option, dedicated workstations, or shared workstations, and you will surely get a cost-effective option.
Shells
Shells transform your smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or laptop into a powerful Windows or Linux workstation. From personal use to enterprise-grade workloads, this DaaS is suitable for everyone who wants the benefit of remote working using cloud technology. Furthermore, its services enable you to do more in less time by resuming your work from different devices. Notable features of this platform are:
Mobile terminal view and SSH protocol for Android, iPhone, etc.Deploy any number of virtual workstations whenever you want.Expertise in virtual machines.One simple monthly or yearly plan includes no hidden charges, add-ons, and additional purchases.Huge global presence of data centers and lets you deploy virtual machines anywhere to enjoy local and hyperlocal marketing benefits.
Hence, if you are looking to shred IT hardware and software management workloads, focus on the core business, and grow the return on investment (ROI), you can think of Shells as your trusted partner for DaaS deployment. Additionally, according to its website, you can deploy a virtual desktop from Shells in less than five minutes. Moreover, there is no learning curve in using its remote cloud desktops; anyone can set up and manage the workstations.
Azure Virtual Desktop
Azure is the cloud computing arm of Microsoft, and it also offers scalable DaaS services to various businesses. If your organization is Microsoft 365-centric and prefers Windows operating systems over others, you will love Azure Virtual Desktop. This DaaS product offers out-of-the-box Windows 11 and Windows 10 remote desktops for businesses of any kind.
Conclusion
Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) is the new potential business and IT infrastructure service model in the future. After going through the foundation knowledge on DaaS, like its definition, statistics, benefits, working model, types, and so on, you should be confident enough to decide whether you need DaaS for your business. If you feel the need for DaaS, do not forget to check out the above top DaaS providers. You may also be interested in the best virtualization monitoring tools for businesses of any size.
