As the coronavirus pandemic made remote work the new norm, Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) implementations have soared by up to three times in the first quarter of 2020. The health crisis has accidentally highlighted the benefits of distributed work.

As businesses embrace remote work and race to build cloud-based infrastructures that allow employees to work virtually, the demand for DaaS is expected to grow by up to 150% between 2020 and 2023 according to Gartner. But while desktop in the cloud seems the best technology for remote workers, the DaaS model has its share of drawbacks that businesses should consider before fully transitioning to this model.

But before we dig deep into the pros and cons of DaaS services. Let’s get to know a little about this service model.

What is DaaS?

Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) is a model wherein the desktop operating systems are hosted virtually allowing users to access their workstations through the cloud. Although major IT brands offer these cloud-based solutions, such as Azure Windows Virtual Desktop and Amazon WorkSpace, there are virtual desktop providers that offer highly customized solutions like Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) solution, BeCloud.

DaaS uses central servers that host the resources of a desktop. But instead of physical resources that are hosted on-premise, these servers are hosted in the public cloud. This enables users to consume the virtual desktop infrastructure through the Internet. So, wherever you are, you can access your virtual workstation as long as you have reliable network connectivity.

Now let’s take a look at the pros and cons of DaaS services.

Pros of DaaS Services

Flexibility

Desktop virtualization technologies offer optimum flexibility. It allows employees to access their workstations from anywhere. DaaS ensures that employees feel as if they’re in the physical office. Although it is possible to access physical computers remotely, DaaS offers a better and hassle-free experience as you can access the virtual desktop over the cloud without using another application or even VPN.

Scalability

Since resources are cloud-based, DaaS makes it easier to scale up (or down) depending on the requirements of the business. Organizations don’t need to worry about investing in new physical hardware needed to scale the operations.

Disaster Recovery

Although virtual desktop deployments cannot prevent disasters, hosting your IT resources virtually makes it easier to recover in case unwanted events happen. DaaS solutions have proven disaster recovery measures to protect their user data.

Reduce License Costs

If implemented properly, DaaS services can potentially cut expenses associated with licenses and subscriptions. Instead of purchasing new licenses for seasonal workers, you can simply provide additional cloud-based virtual desktops, which you can, later on, terminate once their tasks are completed.

Device Compatibility

DaaS enables users to work on various devices for optimum performance. For example, an employee can work from a mobile device, a tablet, or a Mac if they don’t have access to a PC. As long as the device supports the display resolution and desktop environment, it can work virtually.

Data Security

Implementing DaaS technology can help improve data security in several ways. It prevents the unwanted leakage of data in case computers get lost or hacked. DaaS enables organizations to centralize and consolidate classified data in a highly secure, cloud-based infrastructure. This eliminates the possibility of unscrupulous parties gaining access and downloading private data without permission.

Streamline IT Costs

With DaaS, you only pay a fixed, predictable fee for each virtual desktop you use. This allows you to anticipate costs and avoid unplanned major expenses associated with your IT hardware. Maintaining physical workstations entails unforeseen costs such as system upgrades, parts replacements, and troubleshooting.

Cons of DaaS Services

Internet Speed

To ensure optimum operations of virtual desktops, it requires a high-speed internet connection. Remote employees need stable internet resources whenever they will access the cloud-based device. This can be a challenge in areas where internet service is still poor.

Learning Process

Transitioning to a new technology requires a learning process. If your employees have been used to the traditional office setup, they will have to learn new tools to access their virtual desktops. This might impact operations as they get a grip of the new system.

Single Point of Failure

In case the DaaS provider or solution fails, the entire operations can be affected. End users will have to wait for the provider to fix the problem and get the solution back up again. This makes it important to look for a provider with proven disaster recovery measures. Likewise, if there is a sudden internet outage, the employees will be unable to access their workstations resulting in zero output.

Software Licensing Duplication

Finally, if you already own licenses for applications on your physical desktops, you need to purchase again new set of licenses for your cloud desktops. As a result, you’ll have to spend more. However, some DaaS providers allow you to migrate licenses into the cloud-based platform, so you’ll avoid wasting your money.

When deciding to transition to a DaaS solution, make sure to consider its advantages and disadvantages. Hopefully, this post helped you come up with the right decision.