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How Cloud-Based Virtual Desktops Can Supercharge Remote Work
The year 2020 was a period of rapid digitalization for workplaces.
For many, setting up systems to enable employees to work remotely was the only way to survive the initial blows of the pandemic. Some of these systems, however, were set up hurriedly as interim solutions and, as such, may not have been the most efficient configurations.
Today, forward-thinking enterprises are realizing that digital transformation not only helps ensure short-term survival; it is also key to achieving longer-term business resilience.
Although the more traditional remote access solution is through Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), a similar approach called Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) has been gaining popularity. In fact, Gartner recently recognized DaaS as one of six digital workplace trends that emerged during the pandemic and that IT leaders are expecting to keep an eye on for years to come.
DaaS is a cloud-based virtual desktop solution that is available as a managed service through cloud vendors. Think of it as having a laptop that lives completely in the Cloud. Through the service, employees can remotely access their desktops using any device, through their browsers, or through secure apps.
Because it is hosted, the Cloud provider is responsible for securing and managing basic infrastructure components such as virtual machines and networks, as well as their data centers that house the infrastructure. Legacy remote access solutions, on the other hand, typically entail upfront costs for servers and data centers, as well as an in-house IT team to manage the infrastructure.
This is perhaps why DaaS was such an attractive option for companies that had to go remote almost overnight. It is fast to deploy, simple to manage, easy to scale, and does not require heavy capital expenditure for servers or data centers.
Here’s why powering your remote workforce with DaaS may be the solution your company needs as the business world prepares for the next normal.
Easy maintenance
As mentioned, DaaS is a service that is hosted on the Cloud. Aside from making deployment a breeze, this centralized management of the virtual infrastructure also means maintenance and troubleshooting are more straightforward. Users can manage their Cloud environments centrally through the providers’ portals via web browser, and can easily adjust their resources as the need arises. This frees up time and resources and allows organizations to focus on mission-critical tasks.
Better security
Global Hyperscalers can usually implement a more robust cybersecurity program than many smaller enterprises can establish in-house. Sticking with trusted names—such as Microsoft through Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), or Amazon Web Services through AWS WorkSpaces–can help ensure that your virtual workspaces are being managed professionally.
Seamless integration
Some DaaS solutions can be purchased as a bundle, with tools, apps, and other services integrated into the system. Many also have components that are fast and easy to integrate into existing IT systems.
For instance, Microsoft AVD can be paired with Microsoft 365, with the familiar Office applications and Microsoft Teams thrown in. This lets users get up and running in no time and seamlessly access crucial apps and other productivity tools.
Low upfront cost
Traditional solutions often require some heavy capital expenditure for hardware and other IT infrastructure needs, including purchasing physical servers and licenses to set up and manage the infrastructure, as well as laptops for their employees. DaaS eliminates these costs by running completely in a cloud environment that is managed by well-known Cloud providers.
Instead of investing in physical equipment, users pay subscription fees. A recurring rate is more cost-efficient because users pay only for the resources that they use. Adding more users later on is also straightforward, which makes DaaS an agile and scalable enabler of remote work.
Some solutions also have features that further drive costs down. AVD, for example, has multi-session capability for Windows 10. This allows several users to log into a single virtual machine, effectively maximizing available resources.
More reliable connections
Streaming protocols also allow for more consistent connections over vast distances and erratic networks. AWS, for instance, launched a new feature called the Amazon WorkSpaces Streaming Protocol (WSP), which enables a consistent user experience even on unreliable networks. Because it is cloud-native, it eliminates the need for manual updates on WorkSpaces. Webcam support and other additional features are also available.
Choosing the right partner
Aside from figuring out which DaaS solution best addresses a company’s needs, it is also equally important to choose the right partners, especially during these uncertain times. Enterprises will do well to work with trusted providers and focus on solutions with a longer-term lens.
To make DaaS accessible to enterprises, Globe offers a suite of solutions under Globe Cloud. It has also collaborated with Cascadeo, Globe’s Cloud Professional and Managed Services delivery arm, and a premier partner of Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and NetApp, among other familiar names.
With the right tools, reputable expertise, and global partners, Globe can help businesses empower remote teams and take a step towards digital resilience.
Contact your Globe Business Account Manager to learn more about Globe Cloud. Visit our website for more info.
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