Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) offers a powerful solution for businesses burdened by demanding applications and limited hardware budgets. It replaces bulky desktops with virtual workspaces accessible from any device with an internet connection. This empowers your workforce to be productive from anywhere, which perfectly aligns with the growing trend of remote work and flexible schedules. But remember, not all DaaS providers are created equal.
Some providers may be suited to larger enterprises, while others better fit small to medium-sized businesses. Alternatively, a DaaS provider may have insufficient security qualifications to meet industry compliance requirements, or their systems could be incompatible with yours. Therefore, choosing the right DaaS provider is crucial to ensuring a smooth and secure experience
How to evaluate a Daas provider
To help you find the right DaaS provider for your business, here are some questions you should consider.
What level of support does the DaaS provider offer?
Prioritize providers that offer fully managed IT services, similar to what an in-house IT department would provide.
The ideal DaaS provider should:
- Manage your virtual desktop, including its operating system, patches, antivirus software, backups, data recovery, and security measures;
- Adjust desktop configuration and settings according to your needs;
- Monitor platform performance, warning you of potential issues such as low storage space or insufficient processing power; and
- Troubleshoot and fix problems such as hardware failures and software glitches.
In addition, software vendors typically handle support for their applications, but you should clarify this with the DaaS provider to avoid any surprises. There may be additional costs associated with specific applications, both for implementation (data migration and application installation) and ongoing support. A comprehensive DaaS provider should be transparent about these potential costs and be prepared to assist you with the implementation process, ensuring a smooth transition for your users.
How does the DaaS provider manage backups and disaster recovery?
When choosing a DaaS provider, it’s essential to consider their approach to data backups and disaster recovery. Clarify what features are included and any additional costs that may apply. Inquire about their strategies for keeping your business operational during a major outage: automatic backups with self-service restoration options should be nonnegotiables. Finally, ensure the provider has a failover system — a backup to take over should the primary system fail — to minimize downtime during outages.
Is the provider a DaaS specialist?
The provider you choose should deliver DaaS solutions as one of its primary services, not just an additional offering. Look for a provider with:
- A strong understanding of related technologies, including Microsoft SQL Servers, firewalls, and third-party services such as Microsoft 365
- An extensive DaaS experience that demonstrates both proficiency with DaaS tools and reliability of service
How does the DaaS provider secure your data?
DaaS can potentially better enhance your security compared to traditional workstations if your provider offers robust security measures beyond basic application updates and patches.
A provider’s essential security features should include:
- Multifactor authentication to prevent unauthorized access even if cybercriminals obtain login information
- Firewall protection to monitor and filter both incoming and outgoing traffic
- Internal data monitoring to detect abnormal activity within your systems, which may be indicative of malware
- Encryption tools to keep your data inaccessible to unauthorized users
- Denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention to mitigate the impact and ensure the continued operation of your critical systems
Does the DaaS provider meet industry standards?
If your industry has strict compliance to standards, choose a DaaS provider with data centers certified to meet ISO or HIPAA requirements. For some businesses, adhering to specific industry regulations is crucial. When selecting a DaaS provider, verify the compliance standards they follow to ensure your virtual desktop environment aligns with regulatory requirements. This will simplify audits and minimize the risk of noncompliance penalties.
However, some compliance standards may impose configuration limitations on your DaaS environment. Discussing these potential limitations with the provider upfront allows you to make an informed decision that balances security needs with the flexibility required for your business operations.
Does the DaaS provider maintain clear documentation?
A trustworthy provider’s documentation should clearly outline their services, including their responsibilities and yours. It should also detail available subscription models (yearly, monthly, per user, etc.) and the level of support provided for each subscription tier. Some providers offer basic support, while others offer premium support options for an additional fee. Review their service level agreements (SLAs) for guaranteed uptime and any penalties the provider incurs for failing to meet these standards.
If you’re still searching for one, look no further than Liberty Center One. We can help you navigate the DaaS selection process and identify the perfect solution for your company’s needs. And our Automatic Data Protection comes standard, providing customers with a 4 hour RPO and recovery at an geographically diverse data center. Contact us today to learn more about our DaaS offerings and how we can empower your business for the future.