DaaS is a cloud technology part of the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). Here, a third-party provider outsources and controls the VDI. DaaS is also called a hosted desktop service. They provide virtual desktops which can deliver apps via cloud services.
To small businesses which cannot set up a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure owing to its high cost, DaaS is a boon that comes with per-user subscriptions. The service providers of desktop as a service offer the following to the users:
- Data storage
- Maintenance
- Updates for apps
- Backup maintenance
Service providers also maintain the security of the applications based on the client’s request. With IT infrastructure likely to work remotely and due to the pandemic Covid-19, desktop as a service is looking attractive and growing enormously among various industries.
Types of DaaS Desktop
Below are some of the most common DaaS Desktop Models:
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Persistent Desktop as a Service
Every time a user logs in to the DaaS, the same virtual machine is used here. Settings can be customized, files can be saved, and configurations can be set up individually. Persistent DaaS is the fastest and most straightforward way to access the virtual machine. High storage and private access are required, and hence it becomes costly.
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Non-Persistent Desktop as a Service
Virtual machines here are available in a pool. Whenever a user requires a virtual machine, it is pulled from the pool and assigned to the user before logging in. The virtual machine is returned back to the pool when the work is done. The configuration settings and files saved cannot be retained. Generally, for temporary work or a temporary employee can use a non-persistent desktop.
What are the benefits of using Desktop as a Service?
Commissioning and decommissioning a traditional PC was quite difficult. Traditional PCs are fading away due to the attractive benefits of a DaaS infrastructure. Below are some of the most common advantages of the Daas Model:
- Faster deployment is possible based on the demand and number of employees. This can save costs over installing physical machines, and a lot of time is saved.
- When physical computer access is impossible, it can be hosted on the cloud and accessed over the internet. Hence universal accessibility is possible using DaaS.
- In the persistent mode, we can always access the backup stored in the cloud even when the data is lost locally. This way, the data is integrated, and data redundancy is avoided.
- It is easy to acquire workstations for employees rather than setting up a physical machine that might frequently face hardware damages and replacements. Hence, Dependency on hardware is reduced.
- Desktop as a service is basically less expensive in terms of cost and power consumption.
- Data security is considerably high. This is because normal users cannot access data stored in the data centers. Sensitive data is always safe here. In case of any threat, the system can be easily disconnected from the virtual desktop. Frequent security updates and patches are installed on every virtual desktop universally and simultaneously.
- DaaS runs on any operating system; this is a big advantage when users have different laptop or mobile phone brands. Hence DaaS provides great device flexibility.
- IT support can be provided remotely in case of errors or failure while working with any application. However, the downtime faced is reduced due to this factor.