What is DaaS?

Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a cloud-based solution that provides each user with their own virtual desktop with all the software they need. In this article, we describe DaaS in detail, how it is implemented and the benefits it brings to organizations.

How DaaS works

When using Daas for the end user there is practically no difference, except that to start working it is necessary to log on to the remote computer.

The resources used to work are not physically located on the user's computer, but are provided virtually from a remote server. To connect to a remote desktop, you need a stable Internet connection and almost any device (desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone).

This technology is called Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). It allows you to run your own virtual IT infrastructure and create fully-fledged desktops based on remote servers.

The end-user device requirements are minimal. This means you can run a remote desktop from a very weak PC or laptop that cannot run anything more complicated than Solitaire. It is enough to be able to receive an image on the screen. The programs needed to work are installed in the virtual space. By default, the remote desktop has an operating system, an archiver, a browser for Internet searches, a file reader and a text editor.

It is controlled using standard peripherals: keyboard and mouse. The user enters commands with these, and the server processes them. The result is displayed on the user's device.

A remote desktop system can be of two types: stateful (when you log off, everything remains unchanged so that you can continue working the next time you log on) and stateless (when you log off, all desktop settings are reset).

DaaS Application

With DaaS, you can significantly improve the efficiency of your organization and each of its departments. It allows you to create the most convenient and secure connection between all the devices on your network. Infrastructure becomes more mobile and users can connect from anywhere.

This means that interacting with remote workers is much easier and better from an information security perspective, as employees work within a secure circuit that they connect to from their device.

DaaS simplifies opening new offices and hiring highly skilled staff. It reduces the cost of equipping workstations, as the end device from which the user connects remotely may be the most primitive and therefore the cheapest. Maintenance is also simplified, because all updates, settings and troubleshooting are performed on the main server, rather than on each individual device.

Implementing a VDI service is particularly relevant to small and medium sized businesses because of the savings on equipment. DaaS is also ideal for working with contractors, remote workers and full-time employees, allowing you to organize your workstations quickly and cost-effectively.

Practical use cases for DaaS

The DaaS service is suitable for

• Remote employees

• Employees who travel frequently and need to be able to access work resources at any time

• Employees who use different devices (laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones) for their work

• Large organizations with offices in different locations

• Organizations looking for ways to reduce costs (with DaaS you can save on office space rental and equipment purchases)

• Organizations that hire contractors or outsource some of their work.

Benefits of DaaS

1. Reduce costs and recurring expenses associated with purchasing equipment and maintaining IT infrastructure.

2. No need to worry about updating hardware resources, adding new capacity, buying license software.

3. Easy preparation of new workstations. With DaaS, only minimal preparation of the end device for connection is required, and it takes no more than an hour to provision a desktop with the necessary software.

4. Employees can work more efficiently: they can easily access data and tools, connect from home or when travelling for business. As long as they have stable Internet access, distance is irrelevant.

5. The security of company data is guaranteed. The only software installed on the device that is available to the user is the one that allows them to connect to the remote desktop. All other sensitive information is stored on the provider's secure servers. The servers meet all the security standards required for storing this or that type of data.

6. The provider's flexible pricing plans allow you to choose the most suitable plan and to scale resources as the number of employees changes.

DaaS from Cloud4Y

Cloud4Y DaaS service includes computing resources (CPU, RAM, disk space, IP address, Internet channel) necessary for comfortable work, installed licensed software (MS Office, 1C, MS Exchange (additional service), access to a virtual desktop through a secure VPN connection, 24/7 technical support, hosting resources in 2 geographically remote data centers, free updates and maintenance.