Serving the technology needs of a dispersed workforce has always been a challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused companies to rethink the technology they use to support their workers. Now more than ever, companies are looking for a way to improve how they approach IT. The focus on gains in efficiency and resiliency, while still staying nimble enough to handle whatever may come next, has led many to consider Desktop as a Service (DaaS).
Virtual Desktop technology has been around for quite some time. If you’ve been on that journey before you already know that while the benefits of a VDI setup are many (improved user experience, security, a significant reduction in desktop support issues, to name just a few) the initial implementation and ongoing engineering support can be a burden. The “as a service” aspect of DaaS allows organizations to benefit from a virtual desktop environment without the headache of standing it up or the need to have experts on staff to maintain it.
Users love DaaS because they can connect to the business network from anywhere without needing a company-issued computer. With DaaS, the applications, data and OS run in the cloud on servers that are maintained by the DaaS provider. Statista reported that cloud deployment is a main driver for the growth of virtual desktop.
Compared to on-site deployments, DaaS offers additional benefits for remote workers, such as added security, availability, and flexibility.
Securing the Remote Workforce
Security is paramount in today’s remote work world. This is especially true of companies in industries that have stringent compliance regulations, such as healthcare and finance. These companies must strictly control access to data.
Keeping data in the cloud instead of locally on a PC hard drive creates a huge security benefit for virtual desktop users. Most IT managers have a horror story or two about a lost or compromised laptop that had sensitive data on it. With DaaS, a lost or compromised device is just a small matter and not a reportable breech that requires press releases, countless meetings explaining what happened or any worry about a resume generating event. With DaaS, users access data securely and sensitive information is only displayed, not stored locally on their device.
Achieving Business Continuity
DaaS helps organizations get users back up and running quickly after issues arise. The DaaS provider performs remote troubleshooting to resolve problems quickly before they can derail the workday.
DaaS also offers backup and recovery to ensure seamless business continuity. Business continuity is essential if remote workers are to stay productive while working from home. Another advantage to DaaS is that if the employee’s device fails, the worker can simply switch to another device and still access all the necessary business data and applications.
Providing Flexibility
With the pandemic, employees are forced to work from home using whatever device they have on hand. Some workers may not have access to a PC, so they need to make do with what they have.
DaaS provides the flexibility these remote workers need. With DaaS, employees can work from any device, including mobile devices and tablets. DaaS enables the virtual desktop to run on even low-cost and low-performing laptops.
Using any device, employees can access the company network, applications, and operating system in the cloud through the internet. These company resources are available to employees no matter where they are located.
Where to Go for DaaS
The right DaaS provider should make virtual desktop easier to adopt and manage. Look for a provider that will handle implementation of the environment and provide ongoing support. Because DaaS is a cloud-based service, the DaaS provider should deliver robust cloud resources that are supported by a fast and reliable network.
FirstLight DaaS integrates the desktop, applications, data, and IT services into a single cloud solution. Our DaaS solution is cost effective and our cloud is supported by an extensive high-speed fiber optic network that we own and operate.
Find out more about how DaaS can help optimize your remote workforce. Reach out to FirstLight.
