Desktop as a Service (DaaS) Software: Benefits, Features, Examples and Drawbacks
Overview:
Desktop as a Service (DaaS) software is a cloud service that allows users to run desktop virtual machines on their devices from a remote environment. This software is popular for businesses that have multiple offices or remote employees and need a secure and centralized desktop management system. DaaS software provides remote access to a desktop environment when internet connectivity is available. This article will explore the benefits, features, drawbacks, and examples of Desktop as a Service software.
Who Uses DaaS Software?
DaaS software is popular with businesses and organizations that have employees working remotely, in multiple offices, or in different time zones. Large and small businesses that cannot have a server infrastructure benefit from the advantages of Desktop as a Service software since it can be accessed from any device with internet connectivity. The central desktop management system provided by DaaS software benefits businesses with strict governance of user access to data and security protocols. Additionally, educational institutions benefit from DaaS software since the addition of the virtual desktop enables students with low-powered devices to access more powerful applications without the need for expensive hardware upgrades.
Benefits of DaaS Software:
Scalability: DaaS software gives a flexible and agile approach for businesses that wish to scale up or down their cloud environments. The user pays only for the services used, and the provider takes care of the scaling and upgrades without user intervention.
Security: The fully virtualized desktop environment in DaaS makes it highly secure, ensuring all data stays on the cloud server and is not stored on client devices that may be vulnerable to security breaches.
Access: Desktop as a Service (DaaS) allows flexible access to the cloud-based virtual desktop, as long as an internet connection is available. The remote nature of DaaS software enables organizations to provide their employees with a flexible working schedule, resulting in increased productivity.
Collaboration: Since the data is stored on the cloud servers instead of on local client devices, DaaS software makes it easier for team members to collaborate on projects. It also allows team members to access their resources anywhere, anytime, as long as an internet connection is available.
Cost Saving: DaaS software can save organizations the cost of purchasing hardware, infrastructure, and maintenance. The service provider assumes the burden of managing servers, hardware upgrades, and maintenance. The pay-as-you-go subscription model saves businesses money since they only pay for what they use.
Features of DaaS Software:
Private Cloud: DaaS software comes with a private cloud that is secure, scalable, and easily accessible to the users.
Centralized Management: DaaS software allows the centralization of desktop management. This, in turn, aids IT staff to efficiently manage all desktops, applications, and data, ensuring the latest software is deployed from only one portal.
Multiple Device Access: DaaS software allows access from any device, including tablets, smartphones, and other devices with internet connectivity.
Virtualization: DaaS software provides a fully virtualized desktop environment that is easily scalable and easily managed. This feature ensures no client device is overwhelmed, ensuring they perform optimally and avoid risks that come with local storage.
High Availability: DaaS software guarantees high performance and uninterrupted access to a desktop environment. It ensures there are no performance issues that may slow down productivity.
Examples of Relevant DaaS Software Products:
1. AWS WorkSpaces (aws.amazon.com/workspaces/) – AWS WorkSpaces is a Desktop as a Service software provided by Amazon Web Services. It provides Amazon WorkSpaces as a highly secure and fully managed cloud desktop that users can access from any device with internet connectivity. The software provides organizations with secure and managed access to their applications and data.
2. Nutanix Xi Frame (nutanix.com/products/frame/) – Nutanix Xi Frame is a DaaS software that provides an all-in-one application deployment and delivery solution. It is a fully managed desktop as a service (DaaS) platform that can deliver virtual desktops, remote desktops, and applications through a web browser.
3. VMware Horizon Cloud (vmware.com/products/horizon-cloud.html) – VMware Horizon Cloud is a cloud-based platform that provides virtual desktops and applications. Users can access virtual desktops and applications through a web browser to improve productivity and enhance collaboration among team members.
4. Citrix Managed Desktops (citrix.com/products/citrix-managed-desktops.html) – Citrix Managed Desktops is a cloud-based service that provides virtual desktops. The software provides a unified platform for managing desktops, applications, and data. It simplifies desktop lifecycle management and provides end-to-end control of the virtual desktop environment.
5. Windows Virtual Desktop (azure.microsoft.com/en-us/services/virtual-desktop/) – Windows Virtual Desktop is a Desktop as a Service software provided by Microsoft. It provides a multi-session Windows 10 experience and optimizes Microsoft 365 Apps for users to have secure and flexible remote access.
Drawbacks and Limitations of DaaS Software:
Internet Dependence: DaaS software requires stable and reliable internet connectivity to function and access the desktop environment. Network disruptions or speed degradation may lead to poor computing experiences.
Data Security Concerns: Storing data on cloud servers increases the risks of data breaches. Organizations must choose software that has a proven track record of security and implement additional security protocols.
Customization Challenges: DaaS software may not allow for variations in the desktop environment since it provides virtualized desktop environments that are controlled by the service provider. Organizations may find it challenging to customize virtual environments to suit unique business workflows.
Conclusion:
Desktop as a Service software is a necessity for organizations looking to provide an efficient and highly available virtualized desktop environment for their remote workforce. This software provides businesses with access to a virtualized desktop environment that is secure and highly scalable without the need for massive on-site infrastructure. However, selecting the best DaaS software requires careful consideration of factors like price, performance, reliability, and security, among others. Overall, Desktop as a Service software has proven to be an excellent investment for businesses looking for flexible, scalable, and secure cloud-based computing solutions.