Desktop as a Service (DaaS), also referred to as hosted desktop service or virtualized desktop service, is a fiercely competitive space in the IT industry. With the rampant adoption of Cloud and Edge computing, DaaS has been promoted to the list of the top IT trends to watch out for in the current work-from-home scenario.
In this ITech primer, we will discuss the key trends influencing the adoption of DaaS within the IT industry.
But first, let’s define what is Desktop as a Service?
Desktop as a Service is defined as a subscription-based virtualized desktop service hosted on a Cloud platform and supported by a third-party enterprise. DaaS infrastructure can be deployed in a private cloud or hybrid cloud framework. The third-party Cloud and hosting service provider offers critical IT support such as desktop management, storage, compute, networking, security and access. They are also responsible for upgrading the Virtual Machines in the Cloud for optimum performance and security management, preventing any downtime from affecting IT operations.
According to Nutanix, a DaaS platform is a multi-tenancy provider, and, like most cloud service offerings, subscription-based.
According to VMware, Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a cloud computing offering involving virtual desktops provided to end users over the Internet, licensed with a per-user subscription.
So, in simple terms, we can consider a Desktop as a Service a 100% backend-assisted virtual desktop infrastructure business that typically covers for routine maintenance, back-ups, automation, security, and data storage.
Types of DaaS Delivery
DaaS platforms are offered in these three modes:
- Desktop Hosted, where virtual machines are linked to servers in a data center.
- Server Hosted, where the desktop runs on a server OS and remotely connected with a regular PC
- Session Hosted, connected to virtual machines or on-premise data centers
Depending on the number of sign-ins and data storage needed per session, DaaS could be offered in two modes:
- Persistent DaaS
- Non-persistent DaaS
Long-term remote workplace collaboration platforms would essentially require persistent desktop hosted services. Temporary, contractual workers would be provided session-based DaaS.
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Difference Between Virtual Desktop Services and DaaS
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure or VDI and DaaS are part of the same remote working infrastructure. However, VDI and DaaS are distinct from each other. How?
VDI operates from a centralized server that houses all the data. VDI is merely a machine accessed by the user to access the data stored in the data center. It is a costly setup compared to DaaS in a way that it involves complex infrastructure investment into Networking, Storage, Compute, and Security provided over the internet for both endpoints and data centers. It also requires a trained IT team to manage the entire VDI setup remotely.
Security Culture Is Everyone’s Responsibility in 2021
Compared to DaaS, VDI setup is a relatively long process and involves larger IT staff to manage and configure as per scaling needs and demands. DaaS, on the other hand, can be managed by a much leaner team and consume way lesser resources to function effectively. With slightly more investment into security, companies can fully turn their IT infrastructure to a DaaS-based setup and save a lot of time, money, and staffing costs.
Also, DaaS setups are known to operate with reduced downtime IT support and can be scaled to increase Edge adoption with a variety of OS, Devices, and Storage. For BYOD scenarios, DaaS is the perfect adoption center. If you are looking for no-hassle backup support with enhanced security and flexible configuration to manage increased remote workplace collaboration across teams, DaaS could provide a suitable solution.
Top DaaS Providers
- Amazon WorkSpaces
- BlackBerry Digital Workplace
- Citrix Managed Desktops
- Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop
- VMware Horizon Cloud
- Cloudalize Desktop-as-a-Service
- dinCloud dinWorkspace
- Evolve IP
- itopia Cloud Automation Stack (CAS)
- MTM Technologies AnywhereApp
- Workspot – Enterprise Desktop Cloud
- Kasm Server
- Nutanix Xi Frame
- ITAnyWhere Cloud
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