Best Desktop as a Service (DaaS) Providers
Desktop as a service (DaaS) solutions provide a virtualized desktop experience to users, entirely from the cloud. Unlike virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) software, which utilize on-premises hosting for desktop virtualization, DaaS solutions center around cloud hosting the desktop admin console and virtual desktops. DaaS eliminates the need for businesses to purchase the physical infrastructure associated with desktop virtualization, instead functioning through subscription- and usage-based payment structures.
DaaS is highly accessible throughout an organization and can be used by anyone that might need it. It applications range from being the backbone of university computer labs to testing code performance on different operating systems, and more. The high versatility with no major infrastructure benefit makes DaaS extremely valuable across numerous fields and job types; furthermore, it can be used alongside numerous other software, both aaS and not.
To qualify for inclusion in the Desktop as a Service (DaaS) category, a product must:
Best Desktop as a Service (DaaS) Providers At A Glance
G2 takes pride in showing unbiased reviews on user satisfaction in our ratings and reports. We do not allow paid placements in any of our ratings, rankings, or reports. Learn about our scoring methodologies.
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Nerdio Manager empowers IT professionals to easily deploy, manage, and cost-optimize native Microsoft Cloud technologies. Nerdio Manager runs in users’ own tenant without compromising security and com
- President
- Information Technology and Services
- Computer & Network Security
- 47% Small-Business
- 28% Enterprise
2,091 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops provides the most comprehensive desktop as a service (DaaS) and VDI options, optimized to provide today’s flexible workforce with secure, high-performance experiences.
- Analyst
- Software Engineer
- Information Technology and Services
- Hospital & Health Care
- 59% Enterprise
- 29% Mid-Market
203,540 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Windows Virtual Desktop Preview is a comprehensive desktop and app virtualization service running in the cloud. It's the only virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) that delivers simplified management,
- 41% Small-Business
- 37% Enterprise
14,002,464 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Amazon WorkSpaces is a secure desktop computing service that runs on the AWS cloud it allows provision cloud-based virtual desktops and provide users access to the documents, applications, and resour
- Information Technology and Services
- Computer Software
- 40% Enterprise
- 36% Mid-Market
2,229,471 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Desktop virtualization doesn't have to be complicated. V2 Cloud is the all-in-one and fully managed virtual desktop you need. We work closely with Independent Software Vendors, Business owners, Manage
- CEO
- Owner
- Accounting
- Information Technology and Services
- 85% Small-Business
- 12% Mid-Market
622 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
XTIUM's Desktop as a Service (DaaS) provides secure, cloud-based virtual desktops, enabling employees to access company applications and data from any device, anywhere. This solution enhances security
- Information Technology and Services
- 37% Mid-Market
- 37% Small-Business
2,909 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
The use of virtualised desktops has greatly increased over the past year, with more UK businesses than ever increasing their remote working capabilities and investing in new technologies to ensure sec
- Information Technology and Services
- 55% Mid-Market
- 36% Enterprise
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Apporto is a cloud-based service provider specializing in virtual desktop solutions. Their platform primarily caters to educational institutions and businesses, offering solutions for secure mobile wo
- 55% Mid-Market
- 27% Enterprise
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Workspot is a SaaS platform that delivers enterprise-proven, cloud PCs, cloud workstations and virtualized applications from the public cloud. Workspot's ground-breaking, cloud-native architecture for
- Civil Engineering
- 79% Mid-Market
- 16% Enterprise
1,783 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Workspace ONE is a digital workspace platform that simply and securely delivers and manages any app on any device by integrating access control, application management and multi-platform endpoint mana
- Information Technology and Services
- 39% Mid-Market
- 37% Enterprise
60,101 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Migrating from Citrix or VMware Horizon (Omnissa) could not be easier. Inuvika OVD Enterprise is a secure and cost-effective alternative that reduces your TCO by over 60%. More users on a server, few
- Information Technology and Services
- 53% Small-Business
- 47% Mid-Market
314 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
VMware Horizon Cloud enables the delivery of cloud-hosted or on-premises virtual desktops and apps to any device, anywhere, from a single cloud control plane.
- 43% Enterprise
- 43% Mid-Market
60,101 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Dizzion Desktop as a Service (DaaS) simplifies virtual apps and desktops, making it easy for organizations to securely support modern work, extend campus borders, accelerate AI adoption, and more. Our
- 75% Mid-Market
- 25% Enterprise
911 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Use a single management console for provisioning and managing multiple workspaces, and for delivering Windows desktops, shared desktops and hosted applications from the cloud.
- Computer Software
- Information Technology and Services
- 54% Mid-Market
- 27% Enterprise
60,101 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
DesktopReady™ is a modern DaaS management platform, with built-in automation and monitoring that simplifies the delivery and management of cloud desktops. A fully managed packaged virtual desktop, it
- 50% Small-Business
- 33% Mid-Market
883 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Stream your workplace environment directly to your web browser…on any device and from any location. Kasm is changing the way that businesses deliver digital workspaces using our open-source web-nat
- Information Technology and Services
- Computer & Network Security
- 115% Small-Business
- 13% Mid-Market
578 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Cameyo’s Virtual App Delivery (VAD) platform provides an ultra-secure, simple, and cost-effective cloud desktop solution for enabling you to deliver all your apps – legacy Windows, internal web, and S
- Computer Software
- 45% Small-Business
- 32% Enterprise
629 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
DaDesktop is the best platform to train people remotely. DaDesktop is an innovative and affordable training solution that can revolutionize the way we teach virtually, specially in this time of remot
- 60% Small-Business
- 40% Mid-Market
1 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
At Neverinstall, we are developing next-generation personal cloud computers that allow you to run any application from the browser without installing it on your device. It is an alternative to tradi
- Student
- Computer Software
- Information Technology and Services
- 74% Small-Business
- 24% Mid-Market
922 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
IT Vortex brings peace of mind to businesses by eliminating tech challenges with streamlined solutions. IT Vortex serves people in various industries from retail to real estate, manufacturing, law f
- Real Estate
- 48% Mid-Market
- 32% Small-Business
62 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
BlackBerry UEM is a suite of solutions that all rely on the same foundation of security to secure the digital workplace. It keeps employees productive on any device, anywhere, while allowing your secu
- Consultant
- Financial Services
- Information Technology and Services
- 55% Enterprise
- 27% Small-Business
3,780,381 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Shells.com offers a virtual cloud computer that can be accessed from any web-enabled device. As we offer multiple Linux distributions or Windows preloaded on the virtual desktop, it gives the user th
- Co-Founder
- Marketing and Advertising
- Information Technology and Services
- 78% Small-Business
- 19% Mid-Market
731 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Nebula DaaS Desktop Cloud is tightly integrated with AWS, Microsoft Azure and other Cloud Providers (Linode, UpCloud). Using a single pane of glass, IT can deploy, manage, and monitor virtual desktops
- Computer Software
- 50% Enterprise
- 30% Mid-Market
118 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
FlexxDesktop, developed by Flexxible, is a fully managed virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution designed to simplify and enhance digital workspace management. This platform integrates with clou
- 43% Enterprise
- 29% Mid-Market
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
WorkDesk is Virtual Desktop Management System which helps you provide Virtual Desktop in AWS Cloud at fraction of the Cost. It provides number of benefits in Work From Home situation where companies a
- 83% Small-Business
- 17% Enterprise
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
HP Anyware is a high-performance software solution to transform PCs and workstations into digital workspaces and provide users with secured access to their remote or virtual desktops without a VPN.
- Information Technology and Services
- 42% Mid-Market
- 32% Enterprise
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Ivanti User Workspace Manager (formerly DesktopNow, powered by AppSense) is a workspace management solution that helps you simplify desktop deployment and administration, reduce IT costs and secure en
- Information Technology and Services
- 100% Enterprise
6,766 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
itopia was founded in 2013, with the knowledge that the public cloud would revolutionize our daily lives and how we do business. From day one, our core mission has been to help enterprises and IT serv
- 80% Mid-Market
- 20% Small-Business
498 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
rollApp is an online application virtualization platform allows any application to run on any device only with a web browser.
- 75% Small-Business
- 25% Mid-Market
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
NetApp’s Virtual Desktop Service allows you to deploy, manage, and optimize virtual desktop environments through a SaaS-delivered global control plane.
- 50% Small-Business
- 29% Mid-Market
119,705 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
With RapidScale's Desktop as a Service, you can access your apps on any device globally. RapidScale’s DaaS solution allows organizations to move all of their applications and desktops to the cloud. Yo
- 67% Small-Business
- 33% Mid-Market
3,344 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Softdrive Cloud PC is an enterprise-grade virtual desktop solution that delivers high-performance computing environments with unprecedented deployment speed and user experience. Our integrated platfor
- 67% Mid-Market
- 33% Small-Business
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Albatross Cloud is an infrastructure and managed hosting provider, offering complete cloud solutions for small, medium and enterprise organizations, including businesses, government and non-profit org
- 100% Small-Business
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
tocario offers Cloud Workspace Software for data centers. The pay-as-you-grow license enables Private and Public Cloud Service Providers to deliver virtual Workspaces as a Cloud Service from their own
- 80% Small-Business
- 20% Mid-Market
515 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
LoLa Cloud PCs are high-performance virtual desktops that let you work, create, and collaborate from anywhere. Powered by advanced streaming technology, LoLa delivers fast, secure, and reliable remote
- 100% Small-Business
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Cloudalize provides cloud-based GPU-powered virtual desktops designed to run graphically demanding software from any device and any location. All you need is internet connection. Combining this with j
- 100% Small-Business
849 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Ace Cloud Hosting (ACE) provides fully managed cloud-hosted virtual desktops and Desktop as a Service (DaaS) to clients globally. Our Hosted VDI solutions like DaaS and WaaS give your team complete fl
- 100% Small-Business
1,634 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
oneclick is a workspace provisioning and streaming platform that specializes in the development and operation of a cloud platform for the automated deployment of digital workspaces.
- 100% Small-Business
459 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Sonet.io is a cloud-native workspace solution for IT leaders that don’t want the cost and frustration of traditional VDIs, DaaS or VPNs. Sonet.io makes it easy for remote workers to access web apps, d
- 100% Enterprise
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Power on your Cloud Desktop to test, learn and experiment safely. Create a Spool space to meet and work together with your connections. Search and find new connections on the Spool netWork. Cloud D
- 100% Small-Business
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
V2 Cloud's VPS offer access to Windows servers with rentable Virtual machines. Multiple instances of the VM can reside on the server without interfering with each other. This is an excellent offering
- 100% Small-Business
622 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Customized Virtual Desktops for Large Enterprises Empower your business with our custom-built, fully managed DaaS solution with enterprise-grade security. Enterprise DaaS is a fully managed custom-b
883 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
FastDesk The next generation of remote working. Whether it’s to address remote working needs, ease IT headaches or keep your business operational when it matters most, our desktop as a service platf
31,375 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
GO-Global is a VDI and DaaS alternative that enables organizations to publish Windows® applications from any public, private, or hybrid cloud, to any device that supports a browser. Using GO-Global,
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Hosted desktops, otherwise known as virtual desktops, allow you to work from anywhere in the world at any time, with an Internet connection and an Internet enabled device.
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Hiveio delivers a fully integrated VDI solution that delivers all the components to deploy and scale in less than 1 hour.
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
A cloud-based virtual desktop that can act as a replacement for your traditional on-premises desktop. Giving you and your team access using your iPads, your home computers, your MacBooks, or any other
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Jotelulu is an online cloud platform that transforms traditional IT Companies into Cloud Service Providers. Jotelulu offers IT and communication products, system administration tools and many function
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
End-to-end and easy software for Service/Hosting Providers to create their own Virtual Desktop Service (DaaS, Desktops-as-a-Service).
37 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
oneclick™ Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) is a complete cloud environment that includes everything you need to deploy, operate and deliver software applications.: Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), De
459 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
An enterprise grade desktop as a service solution designed to enable secure collaboration between your team. Enjoy uninterrupted access to your applications and data from any device - be it PC, Mac, i
149 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Spot PC is a managed, continuously optimized cloud desktop service that runs Azure Virtual Desktops (AVD) and/or Windows 365 Cloud PCs. The service is easy to deploy and secure for both end users and
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Access all of your line-of- business applications, data, and third-party software securely through a single, hosted desktop from Systems Solution, Inc (SSI).
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Tehama is the fastest, easiest, most secure way to deploy a virtual workforce. With our next-generation DaaS platform, enterprises can create cloud-based virtual offices, rooms, and desktops anywhere
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Desktop virtualization doesn't have to be a complex process. Thinfinity is the digital transformation ally you need. We collaborate with Independent Software Vendors, Business owners, Managed Service
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Hosted virtual desktops.
30 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Create and deploy your own virtual desktop solution with US Signal’s Hosted Desktops. Whether you need to support a remote or seasonal workforce, online learners, or other types of off-premises users,
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
zDesk is a cutting-edge Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) + Desktop as a Service (DaaS) solution integrated with AI, and delivered with personalized implementation & support. zDesk drives drast
264 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
ZippyDB Serverless Redis. All the features and speed of Redis, none of the management overhead. Consumption based Redis - Only pay for what you use.
Learn More About Desktop as a Service (DaaS) Providers
Desktop as a service (DaaS) is a cloud computing solution in which the back end of a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) deployment is hosted by a third party.
When using DaaS, desktop operating systems operate within virtual machines (VM) on servers in a cloud provider's data center. The cloud infrastructure also houses the essential support components, such as storage and network resources.
A DaaS provider streams virtual desktops to a customer's endpoint devices over a network. End users may access them using client software or a web browser.
DaaS makes it simple to scale up and down on demand due to a predictable pay-as-you-go subscription approach. It is simple to manage and streamlines many administrative responsibilities associated with desktop solutions.
The desktop operating system is usually Windows or Linux, and the cloud hosting can be public, hybrid, or private. Users access their desktops via an internet connection while using DaaS in the hybrid or public cloud. So, whether working from home, traveling with a laptop, or at their office desk, users can access their desktop with all their documents, data, and software tools.
IT teams do not need to configure and manage multiple devices for the user. End users simply utilize a browser and an internet connection to access their desktop environment.
What are the common features of DaaS providers?
DaaS provides a cloud-based method of giving users virtual desktops. This is an increasingly popular choice for companies of all sizes as it eliminates the requirement for physical PCs and the related administrative hassles. Some common features of DaaS service solutions are discussed below.
- Virtualization: Virtual desktops are hosted by DaaS providers on their own infrastructure, typically housed in secure data centers. Users can access these virtual desktops from various devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones, as long as they have an internet connection.
- Accessibility: Device independence is one of DaaS's main advantages. Any device can view a user's desktop regardless of operating system or hardware characteristics. Because of this, it's ideal for remote desktops, field workers, and everyone else who needs to access their work files from any location.
- Enhanced Security: DaaS suppliers give applications and data a high degree of protection. Advanced security measures, including intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and data encryption, are commonly included in their data centers. This lessens the risk of viruses and unauthorized access to any data.
- Scalability: With DaaS providers, users can easily scale their services to meet their needs. They can add or remove virtual desktops without investing in new hardware.
- Cost-effective: DaaS has the potential to be a cost-effective choice for companies of all kinds. Users can prevent the upfront costs of buying and maintaining physical desktops by paying only for their virtual desktops.
What types of DaaS exist?
Two types of desktops are available with DaaS: persistent and non-persistent.
- Persistent desktop: Users can customize and save a desktop from looking the same every time they log in. As each user's desktop configuration is saved, persistent desktops require more disk space than non-persistent desktops, making them more expensive.
- Non-persistent desktop: Desktops are deleted every time the user logs out. They are simply a way to access shared cloud services.
Cloud providers can give their customers the option to choose between the two, i.e., giving employees with specific requirements access to a persistent desktop and allowing employees who only work temporarily or occasionally access via a non-persistent desktop.
What are the benefits of DaaS providers?
- Ease of management: The primary advantage that IT firms gain from DaaS is ease of management. Addressing software issues such as operating system patches, driver updates, and application installations may be a laborious task, frequently necessitating IT personnel to attend to several devices physically. Using DaaS, all users operate on a limited number of standardized VM images stored in the cloud. Therefore, only a select number of images require patching and updating drivers. The cloud infrastructure is capable of managing the maintenance operations. This is why it is no longer necessary to access individual workstations for various administrative activities physically.
- Cost-effective option: DaaS reduces the requirement for upfront capital expenditures on hardware and software licensing and the monthly membership price, simplifying budgeting. DaaS providers manage device deployment, patching, upgrades, and security, allowing IT teams to focus on other projects. Additionally, it aids in scaling flexibility. Businesses may quickly scale up or down as needed to accommodate seasonal swings or business expansion without investing in new hardware.
- Increased security: DaaS providers have a robust architecture and expertise to protect data from security breaches and other threats. As data is stored centrally in the cloud, the risk of loss or theft of individual devices is reduced. In addition, automatic security updates and patches protect devices from security vulnerabilities.
- Simplified backup and recovery: End users do not store vital data on their local devices when desktops operate on the cloud. As a result, there is no need to back up any data saved on the user's device. This saves the IT department the time and effort of installing and configuring backup software on end-user computers and laptops. Each user's desktop environment can still be backed up, but backup is considerably easier because it is housed in the cloud in a virtual machine. It is merely a matter of storing a snapshot of the VM regularly. To prepare for a disaster, VM backups can be stored (synchronized) to an offsite location regularly. In the event of a disaster, the desktops may be restored simply by importing fresh virtual machines from offsite backups into the backup cloud data center.
- Increased productivity: Employees can access high-performance devices and applications from any authorized device at any time. This also facilitates deployment for new employees. In addition, the uniform user experience on all devices reduces configuration effort and assists remote work.
- Device lifespan: DaaS may assist in increasing device lifecycles and delay the cadence of expensive equipment renewal initiatives by separating desktops and apps from the endpoint. DaaS resources can thin clients and low-cost endpoints when employees are ready for new devices to provide the same superior user experience without significant hardware investment.
Who uses DaaS providers?
Many organizations and individuals utilize DaaS providers for various reasons. Below are some key use cases.
Businesses of all sizes
- Startups and small businesses: DaaS eliminates the need for upfront hardware investments, making it ideal for budget-conscious companies.
- Large enterprises: Users can easily scale to accommodate large workforces and cloud desktops, facilitating remote initiatives with DaaS.
- Branch offices and subsidiaries: Provides secure, standardized desktops for remote locations.
Industry-specific users
- Education: Offers secure, managed desktops and computer labs for schools and universities.
- Healthcare: Facilitates secure access to patient data and applications for healthcare professionals.
- Finance: Ensures robust security and compliance for financial data and applications.
- Software development: Provides developers access to specific environments and tools for project work.
Individual users
- Remote workers: Enables data security and productive work with internet access regardless of geographical location.
- Students and educators: Offers access to specific software and learning environments from any device.
- Professionals with specialized needs: Facilitates access to high-performance virtual desktops for demanding workloads.
DaaS providers pricing
DaaS prices vary depending on several factors, making it a bit tricky to give a one-size-fits-all answer. It is critical to consider the different aspects of DaaS pricing models, which can vary between $40 and $250 per user. Below is a breakdown of key factors influencing DaaS pricing.
Provider and solution
Each desktop service provider has tiered pricing plans with varying features and functionalities. Some top DaaS providers include Citrix DaaS, Amazon WorkSpaces, V2 Cloud, Azure Virtual Desktop, etc.
DaaS can either be a managed or unmanaged service. Therefore, it is also vital to note that managed DaaS includes setup, monitoring, and maintenance, which ends up costing more than unmanaged options, which require management of technical aspects.
Configuration
More powerful hardware incurs higher costs. Additionally, storage requirements directly impact pricing. Considering data requirements and choosing plans with appropriate storage options is vital.
Users and usage
Pricing is usually billed per user per month, so the number of users directly affects the overall cost. Some providers offer discounts for long-term commitments or larger user volumes.
Furthermore, backups, disaster recovery, security enhancements, and application licensing can add extra costs. Some providers offer bundle deals or custom quotes for specific needs.
Challenges with DaaS providers
- Security and privacy: DaaS hosts all user data and virtual apps in the cloud, raising concerns about data breaches, illegal access, and compliance with data privacy rules. To secure their data, organizations must carefully examine the security posture of their DaaS provider and apply rigorous security procedures.
- Storage: While DaaS benefits firms with a few distant users or a temporary location, VDI favors organizations with significant clusters of users linked via a local LAN and a VDI host server. Most businesses use both models to get the best of both worlds. However, this fusion introduces additional storage issues since cloud users must be connected to the local data center infrastructure to retrieve file data, which becomes challenging.
- Network bandwidth and latency: To provide a seamless user experience, DaaS relies on a steady and high-bandwidth internet connection. Periodic latency difficulties hinder network performance; this is particularly pertinent for firms that use high-end graphical applications and streaming media. At the same time, there is no offline access, so users must always be linked to the internet. DaaS performance concerns may occur in organizations with limited bandwidth or unstable internet access. To achieve the best performance for DaaS users, careful network planning and testing are required.
- Lack of control and customization: Enterprises have less control over the underlying infrastructure and software with DaaS when opposed to on-premises installations. This may limit their capacity to tailor desktops and programs to individual requirements. Organizations must select a DaaS supplier with adequate flexibility and customization choices to match their needs.
- Licensing complexities: Software licensing for DaaS can be complicated and expensive, especially for enterprises with many users or unique software requirements. Evaluating license choices and negotiating with providers is critical to minimize unforeseen expenditures for desktop virtualization.
- Business continuity and disaster recovery: DaaS depends on the cloud provider's available infrastructure. Organizations must have a comprehensive business continuity and disaster recovery plan to provide ongoing access to PCs and apps during outages or service interruptions. Selecting a DaaS supplier with a proven track record of uptime and disaster recovery services is critical.
Which companies should buy DaaS providers?
Determining which companies should buy DaaS providers involves analyzing specific needs and potential synergies. Companies that could benefit from buying DaaS providers include the following.
- Large cloud service providers (CSPs): Integrating DaaS offerings into CSPs' existing portfolio strengthens their cloud ecosystem, expanding their value proposition and attracting customers seeking comprehensive solutions. Additionally, niche CSPs focusing on specific industries can benefit from DaaS to add data-driven functionalities to their existing offerings, enhancing their value to customers in their target markets.
- Managed service providers (MSPs): DaaS facilitates a shift to cloud-based desktops, reducing IT burden, maintenance costs, and hardware refresh cycles. Integrating DaaS into their portfolio allows MSPs to offer comprehensive IT solutions, catering to businesses seeking a one-stop shop for managed services and desktop management.
- Security software providers: DaaS providers often have robust security and compliance frameworks, simplifying regulatory adherence for their clients. Purchasing DaaS providers might provide developers and administrators access to a more extensive user base and important data for creating or improving security solutions designed for cloud workspaces.
- Venture capital (VC) firms: Investing in promising DaaS startups offering unique features or targeting specific niches could offer high-growth potential for VC firms.
Beyond acquisitions, companies can also consider strategic partnerships with DaaS providers instead of purchasing them. This approach allows them to access DaaS services without the full financial commitment and complexity of an acquisition.
How to choose DaaS providers
To achieve a smooth transition and a successful cloud-based workspace, migration to DaaS involves thorough preparation and evaluation. Below is a step-by-step approach to choosing the best DaaS provider.
Identify business needs and priorities
The initial step is understanding the business's information technology infrastructure, including software, applications, and operating systems. It's vital to consider how personnel engage with a user's systems and data to identify the essential functionalities their DaaS platform should possess. Work styles, protocols, and technological requirements will all significantly influence the choice.
Consider the following:
- Determine the number of users requiring DaaS access.
- Consider the range of devices employees access desktops from (laptops, tablets, thin clients).
- Identify the critical applications and tools needed in the DaaS environment.
- Assess the data sensitivity level of workflows and required security measures.
- Define the budget limitations per user/month for DaaS subscriptions.
Choose the necessary technology and features
It's essential to ensure the DaaS provider provides a modern, cloud-based infrastructure and focuses on end-user experience. Invest time in researching the prospective partner's reputation and speaking with previous clients to determine their level of satisfaction. Consider the level of expertise each vendor possesses in governance, scaling, upgrading, and automation.
It is vital to look at:
- The provider's infrastructure capacity to handle the current workload and potential future business growth.
- Data centers that are geographically close to users for optimal performance and latency reduction.
- The provider’s disaster recovery plan, security protocols, and data protection measures to minimize downtime in case of unforeseen events.
When operating in a highly regulated industry, verifying that the DaaS solution can effectively assist the business in fulfilling all compliance obligations is crucial. Furthermore, it should be possible for the DaaS solution to fulfill all internal and external audit prerequisites.
Shortlisting software products is an essential step in buying. While it may be daunting to filter through various products, users can get help by utilizing G2’s compare feature. This feature will take products of choice and display them side by side so the buyer can quickly determine which software ticks the essential boxes on the list.
Review vendor vision, roadmap, viability, and support
Discuss the necessary steps and phases of implementation to deploy their solutions with prospective DaaS providers. Suppose an organization transitions from an internally managed VDI solution to a new DaaS provider or vendor. In that case, they must determine whether and for how long current users will be interrupted during the migration. Users should not be obligated to perform tasks such as installing software or downloading extensions.
A DaaS platform is often ideal for businesses looking to rapidly scale up or down in response to seasonal or peak demand. Collaborating with a DaaS provider can facilitate adding virtual connectivity and removing devices from the system after the finish of peak periods.
While ensuring that the prospective provider possesses a vision for future DaaS development that aligns with the buyer's long-term needs is vital, evaluating the provider's support infrastructure, including availability, response times, and available channels, is just as necessary. Choose a provider with a proven history of success in the DaaS market.
Evaluate the deployment and purchasing model
It's vital to ensure that the DaaS solution of choice is simple and straightforward. An important benefit of a fully managed DaaS platform is that concerns regarding the system, applications, or user interfaces are eliminated.
Customers, employees, and anyone accessing the user's system will appreciate an intuitive and user-friendly interface. Considering the likelihood that the number of users will fluctuate by day and time, it's crucial to determine whether the agreement includes elasticity to prevent the user from paying for unused resources.
Despite the significant advantage of DaaS in terms of off-site administration, the ability of the user's IT team to integrate cloud monitoring with pre-existing platforms remains crucial. Users must ascertain whether the potential partner can facilitate the integration of alerts and data for their organization, thereby granting IT teams comprehensive visibility.
Final decision
Before making the final decision on a product and moving forward with a purchase, utilizing a free trial and conducting a last demo can give a buyer an additional sense of security and confidence when making a final decision.
Buyers can explore different service tiers the provider offers and select the one that best meets their required features and level of support. Before purchasing, buyers must consider pricing models, remote access, contract terms, service level agreements (SLA), and deployment options.
Remember that selecting a suitable DaaS provider is an essential choice that affects the security, productivity, and overall experience of the buyer's organization's cloud-based workspace. Prioritize specific requirements, conduct adequate research, and take time to ensure a successful DaaS implementation.
DaaS Solutions trends
Edge computing
Edge computing is a distributed computing concept that shifts processing power closer to the data source. This is becoming increasingly crucial for DaaS since it can assist in performance and latency reduction. More DaaS providers are looking to provide edge computing capabilities, making DaaS a more realistic alternative for latency-sensitive data applications.
Cloud integration
DaaS is not a standalone approach. It works best with other cloud services like identity and access management, disaster recovery, and data analytics. DaaS providers are making it more straightforward for clients to combine their DaaS solutions with cloud services like Google Cloud and Horizon Cloud, resulting in a smoother and more efficient IT environment.
Specialized DaaS offerings
Traditionally, most DaaS services were one-size-fits-all. However, as the industry matures and digital workspaces broaden post-pandemic, there is an increase in specialized DaaS services customized to the unique demands of various sectors and verticals.
Moreover, with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), DaaS providers can deliver personalized experiences, reduce downtime, and increase productivity. Specialized DaaS services are available for healthcare, banking, education, and many other industries.
Sustainability
In the present-day business landscape, where sustainability is a significant concern, DaaS providers are placing a greater emphasis on mitigating their ecological footprint. DaaS contributes inherently to sustainability initiatives by reducing hardware waste and energy consumption.
DaaS minimizes the environmental impact linked to conventional desktop infrastructure by centralizing computational resources and operating virtual desktops on energy-efficient data centers. Additionally, DaaS providers are strengthening their commitment to sustainability by investigating renewable energy sources to power their data centers.
