Desktop as a Service (DaaS): How to Select the Right DaaS Provider

The coronavirus pandemic has forced companies to look to remote working solutions to stay in business. One of these solutions is DaaS (Desktop as a Service).

DaaS is a remote hosted desktop solution that enables users to gain access to desktop programs and applications anytime from any location. Users can access the hosted desktop via a browser as long as there is an internet connection. 

The best part is that you don’t have to lift a finger to manage the hosted desktop. When it comes to resource management, security, storage performance, and network connection, all these are governed by the provider. This allows you and your workforce to focus solely on your business-related tasks and operations. 

The challenge is choosing the right DaaS provider. With so many options to choose from, it can get tricky finding one that provides a solution that meets your needs and is within your budget. 

However, you can thin the herd if you know what you are looking for. With DaaS solutions, there is no one-shoe-fits-all solution. You need to do your due diligence to find the one that fits your business needs. 

That said, there are many considerations you need to take into account before making a decision. Let’s take a look at some of these considerations. 

Location

Since a DaaS provider is responsible for hosting your virtual or remote hosted desktop environment, you need to first know where the solution is hosted. If it’s hosted in one particular geographical location, and you have employees that work outside that location, latency could prove to be a problem. 

User Experience

Your DaaS initiative should provide a good user experience and easy access to the resources and tools your employees need to do their work. To ensure this, you need to vet the underlying infrastructure that supports your virtual or hosted desktops.

You need to make sure that the infrastructure can meet your needs. Some key areas that you need to focus on when vetting the infrastructure include storage performance, resource management, and network architecture.  

Scalability

If you are looking to implement a virtual or hosted desktop, make sure it’s scalable if it’s going to be used by hundreds of users. You want a DaaS solution that is capable of onboarding new users quickly and easily.  

Security

Internet security is one of the most critical factors you need to consider when choosing a DaaS solution. The solution should have adequate security in that every connection point is well-secured. This includes devices and apps that users use for accessing the virtual environment and the resources in it.

Compliance

Today, many industries have stringent compliance requirements due to increased digitization. Therefore, ensure that your DaaS provider meets the industry requirements.

Elasticity 

Make sure that your DaaS solution is capable of providing the resources you need based on the existing workload. You don’t want to end up paying for resources that users won’t need or use. 

Simplicity 

Choose a DaaS solution that is easy for your users to use. You don’t need a solution that is too complicated that it makes it difficult for users to get their job done.  

Support

Most DaaS providers offer support, some at an additional fee, but the level of support is not the same. Make sure your DaaS solution provides a high-level of support even if it comes at a high cost. This can significantly save you time and money if there is an issue with your virtual desktop or the infrastructure that supports it. 

Cost

One of the primary benefits of using a DaaS solution is that it saves you time and money. The tricky part is getting an affordable provider. No provider offers the same services at the same price as another provider. 

Therefore, during the selection process, you must compare providers to ensure that you are getting value for your money. You don’t want to end paying more for less. In other words, you don’t want to pay for a DaaS solution that doesn’t offer the services that your business needs to operate optimally. 

Takeaway

DaaS can significantly improve the way you run your business and ensure business continuity even in a crisis. But this is only if the DaaS solution fits your business needs. 

With so many providers to choose from, you need to make an informed decision to ensure you get value for your money. Some providers are relatively cheap, but you may find that they don’t have all the components that your business needs. Make sure to compare the cost to value when choosing a Daas provider.