Desktop virtualization is becoming an important technology because more and more employees demand to be cut loose from their cubicles. The term might sound like the sci-fi theme of your next holiday office party but in reality, desktop virtualization is a solution that allows IT to deploy hosted operating systems to remote clients.
Organizations exploring virtual desktop solutions generally select between virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) solutions. Both are cloud-hosted and allow you to access your desktop from a remote location.
Deciding which solution is right for your organization needs careful assessment. As a business owner, you should consider the pros and cons of each platform and see how each solution meets your business goals and needs. Let's take a look:
Set up
Setting up a VDI platform for your organization will require you to install a server in your data center. You’ll also need to install VDI software on the central computer in your data center. This will allow you to deploy your VDI platform.
With DaaS, you don’t need a server and data center to use it. All you need is to sign up with a trusted provider that offers DaaS.
Accessibility
With a VDI platform, the lack of internet connectivity won’t affect your in-house VDI setup, especially if you are connected to the server.
However, with DaaS, you need the internet to access your virtual desktop because your connection to your DaaS platform is relayed over the web.
Maintenance
To create an in-house VDI platform, you’ll need a dedicated in-house team. This will require managing the software and hardware used to deploy the virtual desktop, and troubleshooting potential issues that users may encounter. This process can be costly and time-consuming.
With DaaS, the DaaS provider owns the IT infrastructure, and your subscription fees to their services help cover their maintenance costs.
Cost
With a VDI platform, upfront costs are high, but you can add as many people to the network without spending on anything else but upgrading your hardware and paying for your IT staff’s working hours.
DaaS providers might appear to be the more affordable option but you must realize that most DaaS providers base their fees on the number of users you have on the platform — the more users you have, the higher the subscription fee you’ll have to pay.
Control
With an in-house VDI platform, you’ll have complete control over your network. Additionally, you can implement the best security measures to protect your data. Since VDI is usually accessed by people connected to a server, it makes it less likely to be attacked via unauthorized access.
Since DaaS is deployed over the internet, the platform could be susceptible to cyberattacks. However, reputable DaaS providers have many security measures in place to prevent potential data breaches.
Before deciding on which platform is better for you, you must know your goals and use cases as well as the location of your client’s users and data. Here are some questions to consider:
- Which one fits your business better?
- Will VDI/DaaS make your business more competitive?
- How much will VDI/DaaS streamline your IT implementation?
- How will VDI/DaaS impact IT productivity?
- Will VDI/DaaS improve your cybersecurity?
Charles IT’s DaaS services provide state-of-the-art user experience, superb security, and low costs. Using our tried and tested network and cloud architecture, our IT experts can create scalable DaaS solutions and migration plans that are tailored to your changing needs.
If you’re looking for a secure, low-maintenance alternative to purchasing, managing, and securing desktop software and equipment, talk to one of our experts at Charles IT today.
