The COVID-19 or Coronavirus situation has intensified considerably over the past few weeks. The world is battling an unprecedented challenge while trying to keep economies functioning as best as possible. However, the lockdowns and restricted movements in most parts of the world has definitely had an impact on businesses. Employees are unable to report to office and most are being asked for remote working. Companies who had already started their journey toward digital transformation, embracing technologies and building competencies are able to meet rapidly evolving demands. Although some sectors find it easier to adapt to a remote working culture, quite a few industry sectors find it challenging to manage a secure remote working solution.
The good news is that with cloud infrastructure and smart connected devices, effective remote working is not only a possibility, but more of a reality. Virtual desktops allow employees to access their office desktops from anywhere and any device. These ‘cloud-desktops ‘ are secure, standard machines and can be used for remote work, remote training, and much more. Windows or Linux workspaces, with requisite packages can be provisioned quickly and scale rapidly.
AWS Workspaces and Windows Virtual Desktops are two of the top Desktop-as-a-Service solutions available. Citrix Managed Desktops, VMWare Horizon Cloud, Cloudalize DaaS are some other notable providers in this space.
What is Desktop as a Service (DaaS)?
Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a cloud computing virtualization solution that enables businesses to deliver cloud-hosted virtual desktops to any device, from anywhere. DaaS solutions provide complete hosted desktops for applications and email securely delivered over the web. DaaS helps simplify your desktop delivery strategy and allows your users to get a fast, responsive desktop of their choice that they can access anywhere, anytime, from any supported device.
DaaS is like a VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) but hosted on cloud, instead of an On-Premise datacentre. DaaS provides a secure, virtual desktop experience to enhance workforce collaboration.
Benefits of Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
Enhanced Security
Data security is paramount for any business and it’s understandable why most companies choose to enforce strict employee desktop management strategies that maintain full control over an employee’s desktop and access to data. DaaS providers do not store data on the local device, therefore eliminating the risk of data theft or unauthorized access. AWS WorkSpaces have a dedicated Virtual Private Network (VPC), which provides each user with encrypted and secure access to store volumes in the AWS cloud.
Accessibility
DaaS can be accessed from any device that can connect to an internet connection regardless of the device or operating system (Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, phone, tablet, desktop or laptop computer). Employees can securely access their desktop from any device.
Lower Operating Costs
With DaaS, the costs of deploying and maintaining the hardware required to run each virtual desktop shifts from a Capital Expenditure (CapEx) to Operational Expenditure (OpEx). Moreover, you need to pay just for the cloud desktops when you launch, which helps you save money compared to traditional desktops and on-premises VDI solutions. Most DaaS Providers provide on-demand access to cloud desktops that include a range of compute, memory, and storage resources to meet your employees’ needs.
Improved Business Continuity
With increased uncertainty comes the increased need for implementing business continuity strategies. In the current scenario where employees’ physical presence is difficult, DaaS provides a simple, secure and convenient method for business continuity, enhancing the overall corporate agility and responsiveness to fast-changing business environment. Since the data is hosted on-cloud, it provides an added benefit of simplifying disaster recovery.
How can Cloud Kinetics help in Remote Working?
Given the current situation, we have been witnessing a spike in demand for DaaS. Cloud Kinetics has been helping its clients launch the virtual desktops with an aim to eliminate the complexity of managing hardware inventory, OS versions and patches, therefore simplifying your desktop delivery strategy. If you are also looking for a managed, secure Desktop as a Service solution, talk to us.
