Are you a business owner with employees working from home?
Are you considering having your employees work from home for the long term? Do you need additional tools to increase their productivity while not risking security? Desktop as a service (DAAS) can help your employees stay productive if working remotely may be a long-term solution for your business.
What is desktop as a service (DAAS)?
Desktop as a service, also known as DAAS, is a cloud-based service that separates the desktop environment and associated programs (i.e., Microsoft
Office, non-web-based applications, etc.) from the physical device accessing it. What this means is somebody working remotely can access their work desktop environment using another desktop computer or portable device. Without losing security, this system allows employees to access their work desktop files and applications from any device that uses the internet. People working from home or another remote location can use their desktop computer, laptop, tablet and even some smartphones to access their work desktop environment. The end-user experience is as if they were working directly on their work computer in their “normal” office environment while maintaining the integrity of their network security.
Prior to DAAS, organizations would be limited in allowing employees to work remotely, primarily because of the potential for security breaches. Programs would need to be installed on an end user’s machine which is typically outside of the security network of the organization. Often a program or reporting tool is not web based and requires direct installation on a computer. In such a case when there are multiple people working remotely and needing non web-based applications installed, this further drains human resources at a business. People are needed to do the installation on each individual machine. A DAAS solution saves installation time and keeps the integrity of the network security.
How does DAAS help improve productivity?
With DAAS, the infrastructure, network resources, and storage are provided by the cloud service provider, which helps to streamline the management of the desktop. With DAAS, data can be backed up and updated on the cloud instead of on each individual computer, laptop, or tablet. This system also allows employees to share data and access no matter where they are located. This is a huge time saver for any employer. In addition to being accessible anywhere there is an internet connection, the DAAS option offers employees to have the freedom and flexibility of accessing their desktop from whichever device they are comfortable using.
How can DAAS help a business in the case of seasonal or temporary staffing?
DAAS also allows a business to add or subtract employees to their DAAS plan with a few clicks of the mouse. Many of our clients hire temporary or seasonal workers who need access to files, reporting tools and other programs, using a DAAS solution will greatly enhance workflow and reduce overall costs. Employers no longer need to furnish short term workers with computers as they can use their own device and simply tap into the needed documents and files using desktop as a service. Billing for the DAAS solution allows employers to “pay as they go”. This means temporary or seasonal staff can be added and subtracted from an employer’s monthly billing very easily. As a provider of the desktop as a service solution our clients pay per user each month.
Security is paramount for any company. The desktop as a service solution provides enhanced security. The information being received by the employee is stored in the cloud, there is less risk of a security breach. Also, if an employee’s laptop or computer is stolen, the information is not compromised as it is not stored on an individual’s device. Updates and patches are also easier to install as it can be administered from one location and all devices can be updated remotely at the same time.
What will happen to information if an employee is affected by a natural disaster?
In the event of a natural disaster such as a hurricane or tornado, DAAS does not have a security risk or the threat of losing of information as this is a cloud-based solution. Should a business’ physical location be in harm’s way, workflow will not be interrupted if users have internet access. In this situation productivity will continue and data will not be lost.
When you are looking for the best desktop as a service provider you will find there are many. Some of those providers include Azure, Citrix, Amazon, and VMware. Each of these have a different price point, operating system compatibility, integrations, and number of apps offered. At Complete Communications we do the research for you and create a customized solution based on your needs and budget. We not only set your business up with the desktop as a service solution, but we also manage it. When you need to add or subtract users, need technical support, wish to add additional applications, or upgrade your operating system we provide the complete support.
While many businesses continue having their staff work remotely, we find business owners are looking for additional ways to maximize employee productivity while not jeopardizing their security. We highly recommend the desktop as a service solution, its flexibility, low-cost and security make for a very viable solution.
For more information on how DAAS can integrate with your business, please call us at 407-512-5086.
