Why Desktop as a Service Is a Win-Win for IT and Users

It’s no secret that remote work has seen a meteoric rise in popularity over the last few years. While some companies have decided to move to a fully in-person model post-pandemic, others have chosen to keep workers either fully or partially remote. Latest figures put the percentage of remote workers in the global workforce at 31 percent.

Though working remotely is often more convenient for workers, it presents unique challenges for IT trying to integrate remote workers and get them secure access to the tools and resources they need. It’s a large burden on IT to manage all the users, security, and hardware of a business at scale, which is where Desktop as a Service (DaaS) shines.

DaaS is quickly becoming a popular solution to the problems inherent to a remote or hybrid workforce. Let’s go over what DaaS is, how it differs from on-premises virtual desktop infrastructure, and what benefits it offers.

What is Desktop as a Service?

First, let’s start with laying out the key differences between managing on-premises virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) vs. Desktop as a Service. With VDI, IT becomes bogged down with device refreshes, managing patches and updates for images and apps, securing data access, and a host of other responsibilities. Plus, VDI relies on on-premises servers, which further adds to the burden of cost and resource management.

A DaaS solution provides the same benefits as VDI but removes the restrictions, cost, and complexity. With DaaS, your data and applications are stored on cloud-based virtual desktops, giving users the freedom to connect to their workspace from anywhere, on any device. Because data is accessed from the Cloud, it’s not being stored on the device, so if the device is lost, there is no risk to the organization.

From an end-user experience perspective, there are few changes. For IT, infrastructure management is offloaded to the cloud provider. A managed DaaS model like ProArch’s goes a step further, taking over application packaging, image and application management, user support, security, and more.

On-premises VDI vs. Client-defined DaaS vs. Managed DaaS:

At ProArch, we take a phased approach to moving workloads to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and managing them manage them once they’re there.

What are the benefits of Desktop as a Service?

Desktop as a Service builds elasticity and flexibility into an organization. When it comes to cost, you’re not tied to third-party data center contracts: You only pay for what you use. In the case of Azure Virtual Desktop, eligible Windows and Microsoft 365 licenses include access.

• Windows 10 Enterprise E5, E3
• Windows 10 Education A5, A3
• Microsoft 365 Business Premium
• Microsoft 365 A3, A5
• Microsoft 365 F3, E3, E5

Another benefit of DaaS is the ability to scale quickly to meet shifts in demand. Expanding the workforce no longer requires providing endpoint devices. For example, new hires, offshore resources, or contractors can use their own devices and have full access to the tools and data they need. This enables resources to be productive quickly and avoid delays from supply chain issues.

In a managed services model, DaaS providers take on the tasks of management and upkeep of the virtual desktop environment, creating more time for innovation and development.

Here are some other benefits of switching to a DaaS solution:

• Enable remote work and BYOPC
• Onboard new users quickly
• Reduce endpoint security risks
• Provide secure access to data and apps
• Keep apps and workloads running even in a disaster-recovery situation
• Offload the complexity of VDI deployment and management
• Maintain up-to-date and patched applications and images
• Avoid supply chain delays with longer usable endpoint lifecycles
• Move from unpredictable CapEx to controllable OpEx expenses

To keep pace with the dynamic business environment, you need a win-win for IT and users. That’s where DaaS comes in. Learn more about ProArch's Desktop as a Service and contact us today.