What Is Desktop as a Service?

Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a cloud based offering where the backend is hosted by a third party. These hosted desktops are also known as cloud virtual desktops.

With this type of offering the desktop operating system or OS runs inside virtual machines on servers in a cloud provider’s data center. The necessary infrastructure, including storage and network resources, is also in the cloud. This allows the streaming of virtual desktops over a network to endpoint devices that are accessed through client software or a web browser. Examples of DaaS services include Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) or Windows 365 from Microsoft to name just two of the most common ones we hear about.

How does DaaS work?

DaaS is a subscription model that is based on the number of virtual desktops used per month. The cloud provider takes care of the back-end infrastructure costs and maintenance. The customer has the responsibility to manage their virtual desktop images, applications, and security in most cases either directly or through an IT Service Provider.

Generally, a user’s personal data is copied to and from their virtual desktop during logon and logoff. Access to the virtual desktop is device, location, and network independent thus can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection and at anytime.

Why Consider Desktop as a Service?

There are several reasons organizations should consider desktop as a service. The most common is related to business continuity. When organizations were forced to adapt to remote work during the pandemic, DaaS became the best and easiest option from a business continuity perspective.

DaaS enables an organization’s employees to access their desktop environments remotely, and from any device. This means that they can continue doing their work from anywhere. Since the virtual desktops are hosted in the cloud and accessible from anywhere, this strategy allows users to continue working after almost any disaster, as long as they have power and internet access.

Another reason organizations consider DaaS is the flexibility it provides when scaling up or scaling down operations. Because the virtual desktops are hosted on a cloud infrastructure, organizations do not have to procure or deploy expensive physical hardware.

By the same token, DaaS provides the same flexibility to scale down operations. An example would be an organization with seasonal workers. DaaS would allow the easy provisioning of cloud-based virtual desktops for the workers and just as easily deprovision those virtual desktops once they are no longer needed. This saves organizations costs associated with the virtual desktops that are only needed at specific times.

An additional consideration for implementing DaaS is that it allows employees to work from any device. An employee may choose to work from a PC, a Mac, a Chromebook, or a mobile device. The employee’s desktop environment is identical, regardless of the device being used. There may also be reduced software licensing costs especially if employees use more than one device as one virtual desktop can be accessed by any device an employee uses to perform their work.

The one thing organizations must keep in mind about DaaS is that the virtual desktops are hosted in the cloud and accessed through the internet. Therefore, if the internet is not available for whatever reason or the internet connection is slow, it could impact productivity. IT Service Providers like MicroAge will assess an organization’s internet connectivity or recommend solutions to mitigate any issue to ensure that DaaS is the right service for the organization.

There have been many changes to where and how people work and how organizations operate over the last several years, however, the need to work productively and securely has remained consistent. It is important to all businesses and organizations that their employees can get their work done from wherever they are.

MicroAge can assess your needs to determine if Device as a Service is the right service for your business or organization. Let’s start a conversation. Contact us today.