FAQ: Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
In a nutshell, when we talk about hosted desktops or as it’s more formally known, DaaS (Desktop as a Service) – we mean you can “view” or “access” the same desktop that you see every day on your Mac or PC from the cloud.
All your data is running and being managed from the cloud and it looks and feels like the same experience. That’s why we call it a virtual experience 😉
Let’s break it down: You click on an icon on your real desktop (or other device) and it takes you to a secure login screen.
You login and from there, you see the same menus, applications, shortcuts, etc. that you normally would on your computer.
The difference is, everything is held and managed from the cloud so you’re actually just “viewing” your desktop and all your files. (Keep scrolling and you’ll figure out why this is so much more secure, efficient and cost effective!)
In this virtual, DaaS experience you can still file share and collaborate with other team members just like you would if the server was based in your office.
Are we still speaking a foreign language to you?
Have no fear – keep reading and we’ll lose the technical jargon and try our best to unpack it for you. And, if you have additional questions once you finish reading this 700-word post, please don’t hesitate to contact our resident DaaS expert, Rob Z.
Below, we’ve outlined some of the most frequently asked questions that our tech team receives from accountants and other business professionals regarding DaaS.
Q. What are the key features of DaaS?
A.
- Premium end user experience – A great end user experience with single client access to a cloud-hosted virtual desktop and hosted apps from any device, any time, anywhere. Simply put, it’s about making sure computers “just work” which makes your life easier.
- Simplified desktops and apps – Simplified delivery of desktops and hosted apps as a cloud service to any device, any time, anywhere.
- Predictable costs – Reduce your upfront costs and lower your desktop TCO (total cost of ownership) with predictable cloud economics.
- Integrated security and control — Gain peace of mind with integrated security, control and support. This means, user identities and authentication requests are tightly controlled so that only authorized users can access resources held in both environments.
Q. Who should use DaaS?
A. Road warriors who need access to all data/apps everywhere. And, pretty much anyone who is looking to leverage the benefits of virtual desktops and hosted apps but desires to:
- Reduce upfront costs and move to an OPEX model with predictable economics.
- Lower the TCO of virtual desktops and hosted apps.
- Gain flexibility, agility and speed up time of delivery (i.e., the time between when you login until the time you can access your desktop).
- Provide a great end user experience without sacrificing IT security and control.
Q. How does DaaS work?
A. DaaS provides virtual desktops and hosted apps as a cloud service that can be delivered to any device, anywhere. Click here to learn more about virtual desktops and hosted apps.
End users will access their virtual desktop and hosted apps with a receiver or through the web from the device of their choice. Virtual desktops and hosted apps reside in the cloud and IT can easily manage these using existing skills and tools.
Q. In what markets will DaaS be available?
A. DaaS is currently available anywhere internet access is available.
Q. What devices or end points can I use to access my desktops?
A. The beauty of DaaS is that you can use any device, anywhere, any time to access your desktop and applications. This includes thin clients, zero clients, PCs, Macs, iPads, Android devices, smartphones, Amazon Kindle Fires and Google Chromebooks.
Q. Is DaaS more secure than a local install?
A. Yes, because our DaaS is in a secure data center that meets all the regulations for the following: Sarbanes Oxley, PCI-DSS and HIPPA. Additionally, it is a reliable and redundant SSAE-16-audited and compliant data center, interconnected with a private network.
Q. How are backups done through a DaaS solution?
A. Every night incremental backups are conducted. Additionally, a full system back up is performed weekly with the data being stored and recoverable for a period of up to 30 days.
