Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is cloud-based virtualization of a PC where a service provider allows end-users to connect to cloud-based desktops over the Internet.
These cloud-based desktops are paid for and include services such as networking, computing power, and data storage. Users are charged based on the of services they consume – the more they consume, the more they pay. DaaS follows the concept of cloud-based data storage or web-hosting where the hosting firm manages all the technical and physical requirements, while the user simply connects to these systems and pays according to usage.
At the backend, there is a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), which includes virtual machines that run desktop operating systems. These VDIs are hosted by a third-party cloud provider and are simply streamed to the consumer’s devices by the DaaS provider.
DaaS allows users to, almost instantaneously, scale up their processing power and data storage without huge upfront costs. This increased power can be scaled down when it’s no longer needed.
DaaS allows users to access their desktops from anywhere as long as they have an internet connection. This allows users to be anywhere globally and still have access to tremendous computing power, even without their computers.
DaaS allows organizations to save on IT costs. Organizations no longer have to manage IT equipment, worry about its security, or look after failing equipment, as all of this is looked after by the DaaS service provider.
DaaS also saves users from huge capital investment in IT. Since users only pay for the resources they consume, they do not have to buy expensive equipment upfront in anticipation of increased usage in future. If a user needs more resources, they simply have to change their subscription to one that offers more resources.