Cloud-based Desktop as a Service (DaaS) solutions have emerged as a catalyst in helping many businesses operate with un-paralleled flexibility and scalability. While this may sound like a tall claim, the rationale behind it is undeniable. Initially, DaaS was used to provide remote desktops to users but now, it has evolved way beyond that. Today, it comes with limitless on-demand resources, and a pay-as-you-go model that aligns perfectly with business needs.
This introduction sets the stage for a fascinating journey into the world of virtual desktops, and its eventful timeline, from beginning to what lies ahead in the future.
Read on, as we dive into this evolution, from on-premises virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) to Cloud-powered DaaS solutions, and their prospects.
The Limitations of On-Premise VDI
It makes perfect sense why many businesses today are determined to secure the best infrastructure, for deploying their virtual applications and desktops. The pivotal decision between on-premise Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and Cloud Hosted Virtual Desktops depends on the unique needs and capabilities of businesses.
That said, the debate surrounding Cloud-based DaaS versus on-premise VDI solutions has gone far beyond personal preferences, likes or dislikes. While some may present it as an “either-or” decision, we will find advocates admiring the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. However, when you look at it closely, Cloud-based DaaS comes out shining as the clear winner.
We did not make this claim in isolation, as it is grounded in a series of compelling reasons. One must first consider the inherent limitations of on-premise VDI, that render it ill-suited for the agile needs of today’s business landscape.
These limitations include the struggles to scale efficiently, demanding substantial investments in hardware for growth, and the resultant surge in demand. In addition, infrastructure costs related to on-prem VDI are quite steep, and unpredictable. Not to mention how VDI related maintenance and security tasks overwhelm most IT (Information Technology) teams.
Evolution of VDI into Fully Managed DaaS Solutions
The shift from VDI to Fully Managed DaaS Solutions, within the business landscape, was prompted by a series of pressing limitations associated with traditional VDI. However, it was the pandemic that truly marked a significant turning point.
As remote work skyrocketed, it became glaringly evident that the conventional VDI model fell short in meeting the agility, scalability and adaptability required to navigate those extraordinary circumstances.
This was a time of high economic uncertainty, when the last thing enterprises needed was the added burden of procuring additional hardware or software, to deal with the crisis. This was also when pandemic-induced disruption resulted in businesses having a lot of difficulty accessing hardware.
And when we look back, and put things in perspective, it becomes clear that the evolution of VDI, into fully managed Desktop as a Service (DaaS), stood as a clear milestone in the story of IT infrastructure.
Owing to this transformation, we have now gained heightened flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. These are primarily the facets of things required to thrive, given the demands of modern workplace dynamics.
Desktop as a Service (DaaS) has undoubtedly evolved over the years, yet its fundamental concept as an accessible, turn-key service has remained steadfast. With the widespread adoption of DaaS, we have seen significant improvements in performance, back-end software quality, internet reliability and connectivity.
Also, all the compelling benefits associated with DaaS also made it really seamless and straight-forward for businesses to switch to these solutions. DaaS has made everything simple, from streamlining IT management, to ensuring high productivity of the remote workforce. The historical context here is marked by DaaS emerging as a savior during a global crisis, solidifying its position in modern IT.
Forward-Looking Speculations about DaaS
As we look ahead towards the future, we see that Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is all set to assume a pivotal role as a fully managed Digital Workplace solution. It is a versatile solution that extends its benefits to enterprises of all sizes, and it accommodates various work settings, like remote, hybrid or traditional in-office setups.
As more and more businesses are adopting remote and hybrid work models, DaaS has witnessed remarkable growth. According to a Gartner® report, the overall spending on DaaS grew by 22% in 2022, with a projected 19% increase in 2023. This trend is in line with Gartner’s earlier forecast, predicting a usage surge of over 150%, from 2020 to 2023.
The future advancements in DaaS will depend on how Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) manage to out-do themselves, by delivering exceptional user experiences. Plus, incorporation of emerging technologies, and simplified deployment of virtual desktops is equally important for further adoptions.
Conclusion
The mention of modern-day IT infrastructure is in-complete without Desktop as a Service (DaaS), as it holds immense potential to drive a digitally powered future. DaaS has managed to come a long way from its inception, as on-premise virtual desktops or VDI, to a fully managed Digital Workplace solution. Its transformative journey is a testament to its adaptability and promising potential.
ATSG is committed to delivering cutting-edge Managed IT Services and Intelligent Technology solutions, including DaaS. Our DaaS offerings can be tailored to meet the diverse needs of your business, ensuring seamless scalability, security, agility, and accessibility.
ATSG’s dedication to excellence has also earned us recognition as a Challenger in the 2023 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Desktop as a Service (DaaS). This is a huge achievement, and reflects our dedication to exceeding your expectations, by delivering top notch solutions for your enterprise.
