The VDI Market
The market for Cloud-based virtual desktops includes VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) and DaaS (Desktop-as-a-Service), of which VDI is the more traditional option. A virtual desktop infrastructure hosts virtual desktops on a local, on-premises server.
Virtual desktops first emerged in the market as VDI. It is also the most popular choice among many businesses and sectors. That is because on-site storage of mission-critical data is considered safer, and those businesses routinely handling sensitive information prefer to keep data close.
Trust issues have thus found VDI to be a more favorable option. Sometimes, mandatory compliance standards and privacy regulations in some sectors push businesses to take the traditional approach.
The DaaS Market
In contrast, the market for DaaS or Desktop as-a-Service has only emerged recently. Within a short time, DaaS has established itself as a secure and cost-effective alternative to the on-site hosting of virtual desktops. As part of a managed service,
DaaS involves a third-party Cloud Services Provider (CSP) that delivers customized virtual desktop solutions to individual users and organizations. Unlike VDI, DaaS refers to the practice of storing virtual desktops on third-party cloud servers that are located off-premises.
With DaaS, organizations not only benefit from third-party IT services at a much lower cost, but they can also do away with office infrastructure or an in-house IT team, thereby driving down the cost even further.
Thus, a business may completely replace its upfront investment (also known as capital expenditure or CapEx) with the cost of running (operational expenditure or OpEx). This is the reason why the market for DaaS is growing today. In particular, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are reaping the benefits of DaaS more than ever before.
VDI vs. DaaS: A Market Comparison
There are many reasons why the market for DaaS is getting bigger by the day. Primarily, this has to do with the major differences between VDI and DaaS. DaaS as a managed solution offers features such as simplified management and cost savings.
VDI, while appropriate for certain sectors, involves major investment and security risks that most businesses cannot afford. That is why more organizations are choosing DaaS over VDI today.
| VDI | DaaS |
| 1. Virtual desktops are stored on a central server, an on-premises server. | 1. Virtual desktops are hosted on third-party cloud servers located off-premises. |
| 2. Managed by in-house IT experts. | 2. Managed entirely by a third-party cloud service provider. |
| 3. VDI is bound by access limitations that restrict the use of virtual desktops outside. | 3. Virtual desktops are accessible 24X7 from any internet-connected mobile device. |
| 4. An in-house team of IT experts is responsible for data security. | 4. To prevent data breaches, CSPs offer industry-standard security features. |
| 5. VDI demands significant capital expenditure in the form of expensive office ware purchases. | 5. DaaS offers pay-as-you-go pricing with no contracts or lock-in periods. |
| 6. Difficult to scale. Needs additional hardware. | 6. On-demand and easy scalability options. |
| 7.No built-in BCDR (Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery) option. Users must invest in a separate DR site for the same. | 7. DaaS continues to roll out the most advanced BCDR plans as part of its offering – everything from 30-day rolling data back-up to Tier 3/4 data centers. |
DaaS: Today’s Leading Market
In recent years, DAAS has conquered fears regarding data hosting on third-party servers. For a long time, businesses refused to entertain the notion of outsourcing data storage to third-party cloud servers. But, competent DaaS providers, like Ace Cloud Hosting, now offer industry-grade security features as part of the standard package.
These features have proved their effectiveness time and again. On the other hand, most network breaches originate on-premises. DaaS eliminates the possibility of on-premise breaches altogether. That is why many Cloud Service Providers claim security as the most attractive DaaS feature.
Also Read: Why Businesses Need DaaS in 2022
CHAT WITH OUR SOLUTIONS CONSULTANT
Know How DaaS is Right for You
Below is a discussion of three of the most top-rated DaaS features that account for the growing DaaS market of today:
Best-in-Class security
Unlike physical desktops, virtual ones are not susceptible to theft or physical wear and tear. This, however, does not automatically guarantee data security. With this in mind, most providers offer a hosting environment with multi-layered security. This is especially beneficial to businesses that prioritize security as a basic requirement.
A secure hosting environment includes physical features such as 24X7 data surveillance with comprehensive digital security manifestations such as protection against DDoS (denial-of-service) attacks, OS-hardening, OS-patching, SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), ransomware best practices, antivirus software, complex firewalls, MFA (multi-factor authentication), IP restrictions, and 256-bit data encryption.
Read More: Why Virtual Desktops Are Better Than Physical Desktops (Believe Me, Security Is Not the Only Reason)
On-demand Scalability
So far, VDI has failed to accommodate workplace flexibility. Because VDI is not easily scalable, it involves the purchase of additional hardware and software to cater to the needs of a growing workforce. DaaS, on the other hand, offers unrestricted scalability. Consistent delivery of high-performing virtual desktops over a secure network is the hallmark of DaaS. These virtual desktops can automatically respond to changing workloads and the requirements of a flexible workforce. This benefits SMEs the most, as they rely on a scattered and hybrid workforce. When the number of users and applications are variable, DaaS is the go-to solution. Nothing can cope with the variable needs of a hybrid workforce like DaaS.
Value for Money
Most providers offer a pay-as-you-go model for DaaS. This helps businesses capitalize on flexible pricing by paying only for the number of resources they use.
This way, organizations do not need high-end office infrastructure. Instead, they only have to pay monthly/quarterly/annual bills in return for virtual desktops for their employees. DaaS has also made it possible for firms to implement BYOD (Bring Your Device) as a significant cost-cutting measure.
Ace Cloud Hosting brings over 14+ years of experience to deliver best-in-class DaaS solutions for businesses around the world. Have questions?
Search
