Have you noticed that the demand in Canberra for IT support always on business is more prevalent than ever before? The need for accessing your files and business resources while on the road or out of office hours is becoming critical, but trying to find the solution to meet these requirements is even harder! It’s easy to become overwhelmed which is why we’ve put together this beginner's guide to understanding Desktop as a Service so you can make an informed decision on what’s best for your business.
What does Desktop as a Service mean?
Desktop as a Service, or DaaS, is a fully managed cloud-based virtual desktop solution that empowers users to securely access their desktops from any device, anytime, anywhere in the world. DaaS allows employees to work remotely and have the resources to simplify business practices and ensure security in the workforce.
I understand what DaaS is, but why do I need it?
The demand for mobile workforces mixed with the pressure for organisations to be availability anywhere, anytime, has caused businesses, exactly like yours, to move away from traditional IT strategies. Here are the benefits you’ll see by moving your desktops to the Cloud:
- Mobility: Access your virtual desktop from any device, anywhere. Staff are able to work while travelling to and from meetings. DaaS has a great performance from a 3G/4G hotspot, meaning paperwork can be filled out while on the move without the need to be in the office
- Scalability: Scale your IT requirements as needed and only pay for what you use. No setup required, and no need to purchase new software licenses, the desktop is simply spun up and reset as required
- Security: With DaaS, you can certify security as your data is stored in a Tier 3, world class data centre and is only accessible to you
- Support: Fully managed service and centralised administration of IT support
- Savings: Reduce upfront investments, operating expenses and minimise costs thanks to predictable monthly user fees with DaaS.
The benefits look great, but what do I need to consider?
Moving your desktops to the Cloud and implementing a DaaS solution is a significant transition for a business of any size. To ensure your organisation is a great fit for DaaS and to promote a seamless transition, take the following areas into consideration:
- Identify, understand and define your business needs: What applications do you and your team use on a daily basis? How many users will be required?
- Employee education and training: DaaS requires very little training, employees literally access their desktops via a login over the internet. Take into consideration how your team handles and adapts to change and work with your provider to create a guide to accommodate this
- Business and data protection: Do you have a backup strategy if your primary internet connection was to fail? Consider having a second internet connection or a wireless backup option to deal with any potential disasters
- Implementation process: What are the short, mid and long term goals of your DaaS strategy? How will implementation of DaaS deliver this?
I’ve taken into consideration my business needs and what I need to consider, however I’m worried about security. How can I be sure my information is secure?
Business security and data protection is critical to all organisations. It’s important to ask the below questions to your service provider to ensure data security is their top priority and you’re confident in their data protection strategies:
- Who is responsible for ensuring my data is secure?
- Where is my data kept? Is it within Australia?
- What happens in the event of an outage?
- Do you have any security certifications? If so, what are they?
- What will happen if my data security is breached?
- How is my data safeguarded from other clients?
- What are your SLA’s? May I have a copy?
- What will happen if you go out of business? What will happen to my data?
I’m ready to make the move to Cloud, how do I pick the right provider?
Like any partnership, trust is the fundamental element when choosing a provider. There needs to be transparency with your understanding, expectations and goals of the solution and a formal agreement of what your service provider can deliver. Ensure your potential DaaS provider understands the following:
- Your business model, goals, and plans for the future
- The need for open communication. You’re entering a long term partnership, communication is vital
- The results you require and how they are expected to be delivered
- Your level of technical knowledge and understanding of DaaS
I have more questions, who do I talk to?
If you want to know more about DaaS or anything in the Beginner’s Guide please contact us.
