Top 7 Features of Desktop as a Service (DaaS) for Small Businesses

Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a cloud-based service that enables users and businesses to host their workstations in the cloud with the help of virtual machines. 

DaaS is a virtualization service hosted by a third-party organization that ensures that all back-end resources including networking, desktop storage, and computing and virtual cloud machines are managed. In other words, with DaaS, users are entitled to all Virtual Desktop Infrastructure benefits without having to pay for the whole software but just the desktop or the computing resources consumed by the desktop.

It is important to point out that Desktop as a Service is quite different from Data as a Service or Device as a Service and they should all be treated differently. However, there are numerous Desktop as a Service (DaaS) providers and this makes the selection process difficult for small businesses who just want the best. Hence, there are some features to look out for in a Desktop as a Service provider but before we look at these features, let's see the benefits of DaaS.

Benefits of Desktop as a Service

There would be no need to highlight the top 7 features to look out for in a DaaS if you are not even sure of why you need the service. So, below are some of the advantages of DaaS for small businesses;
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1. DaaS enables you to host your workstation in the cloud, making it easily accessible from anywhere and with any device.
2. It helps businesses to save productive time and money.
3. DaaS ensures that all data and files are 100% secured as they are stored in the cloud.
4. With DaaS, all data and applications are found in one place, making it easier to update and backup resources.
5. DaaS enables employees to use virtual desktops for their individual needs, making them more agile and productive.

7 Features of DaaS for Small Businesses

​Although most DaaS providers seem to have the same use case which is to provide cloud-based desktops for their users, there are still some things to watch out for if you must choose a service provider best suited for your business. But first, you have to consider the structure of your business, your employees and other relevant assets. 

1. Licensing flexibility

​Always go for a DaaS provider that allows licensing flexibility. This means, giving you the option to either bring your already existing licenses, if available, or allowing you to automatically build licensing into the DaaS service. The latter prevents you from configuring separate license keys and it is applicable in cases where you have not acquired any license yet.

2. Multi-user access

The best DaaS provider is one that allows you to take full advantage of your cloud desktops and one way to do this is to enable multi-user access. Paying for different workstations for each staff could be such a waste, especially for small businesses. So, to prevent this, go for a DaaS platform that allows employees to work on the same workstation, at different times, while still saving each employee's data and application separately.

3. Simplified pricing

Your preferred DaaS platform's pricing should be as direct and simple as possible. This way, you can easily evaluate how much you'll be spending on the software without using a special calculator. Also, ensure that there are no extra charges for services like data storage and other tools because this will make it difficult for you to assess the total cost of the DaaS after a long time.

4. Different types of access options

​To meet the preference of different employees and users, it is advisable to opt for DaaS platforms that offer multiple access options. While some users prefer to access desktops via web browsers, others prefer downloadable and standalone versions. Therefore, the best DaaS platforms offer various access options to reach a wide variety of users.

5. User experience

One of the key benefits of DaaS is increased productivity and performance. To achieve this, you must ensure that your preferred DaaS platform is user-friendly and it would contribute to improving your employee's productivity and performance. The platform should provide easy access to tools and resources needed to achieve this.

6. Integration with local devices

Having a cloud workstation doesn't mean that you won't need to connect to local devices like printers or credit card readers. Therefore, you have to go for a DaaS platform that allows easy and automatic integration of the workstation with these local devices. 

7. Security

The aim of moving your data and files to the cloud is for maximum security. Hence, a DaaS platform that cannot provide tools and practices that enhance security is not the best option for you.