Virtual Desktops
Read more here about our hosted DaaS service here and go through some of the most common questions that are asked about Virtual Desktops.
​What is a Virtual Desktop?
A Virtual Desktop or Hosted Desktop is a Desktop as a Service (DaaS). DaaS is a cloud computing offering where a service provider delivers virtual applications and desktops to end users that they can access on any device. When a business enlists DaaS from a technology partner, they can make their business perform more efficiently, cut costs and boost their security across the company’s network along with its data. Since the provider has already managed upfront expenses, clients are solely responsible for the low monthly costs of the service. Typically, DaaS providers handle all the processing and storing user data, as well as upgrades for the service and supported applications.
What are the benefits of Virtual Desktop?
As companies continue to work remotely due to the Pandemic, there is an opportunity to re-invent the physical workplace and provide employees with an aspect of predictability that virtualization offers. Even for organizations that work exclusively on-site, using Virtual Desktops provides a much greater structure of security and business continuity while reducing their short-term and long-term IT costs.
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Virtual Desktops move costs from being a Capital Expense to an Operating Expense, leaving organizations with more readily available cash flow to optimize the business. Per desktop pricing enables teams to know exactly what workforce expansion will cost the IT department, removing unforeseen infrastructure or hardware purchases. These purchases are handled by the SystemsCloud and are included in with the price of each desktop.
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Additionally, organizations who are entirely office-based can be switched onto low maintenance and low-cost clients/devices such as Chromebooks. Organizations can also adopt a bring your own device (BYOD) policy, where staff are expected to use personal hardware to access corporate resources, which is particularly useful in the era of remote working.
How secure is a Virtual Desktop?
A Virtual Desktop moves the security risk from hundreds of end-user devices and puts it all into the controlled and managed environment of our data centre – which is also double backed up as well. Lost or stolen laptops/devices no longer provide a security risk and there is no data on the local machine. As Virtual Desktop removes the need to create VPNs to access applications and data held by the company, it also removes the problem of users trying to bypass security setups as there is only one way to access their Virtual Desktop (One-Pane of Glass).
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By using Zero-Trust Architecture, companies have full control access who accesses their company network and how they do it. By using its principles such as Least-Privilege access – which allows members to be given only access to files and folders which they require, our team is able to protect your company’s sensitive and critical data from being accessed or attacked.
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We use multi-factor authentication and very carefully manage all mobile devices accessing your company’s network. If there is a breach of our policies then we are immediately alerted and are able to restrict access. This is critical in being able to work remotely and using your own devices (BYOD) to access the company’s network as we can protect against devices that have been infected with malware, ransomware, viruses and phishing attacks.
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If the company’s network is attacked, we are able to restore all data up to 30 days prior. We take multiple backups every day and our data centre is also backed up offsite as well.
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Working within a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure is the most secure way to operate your business and ensure your data is protected.
How much does it cost?
At Systemscloud, we are able to migrate your entire office workflow onto a Virtual Desktop – if you currently use it on your device then we can put in on your Virtual Desktop. While other companies charge per application that is added to your Virtual Desktop, we include everything at no additional cost. Most of our clients only pay about £55.00/user, which includes all the applications they use, their Microsoft 365 licenses, Office 365 and email licenses.
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Get in touch with us and we can create a custom tailored quote for your business.
How long would it take to move to a Virtual Desktop?
Organizations can typically get Virtual Desktop migrations running in minimal time - This is because the infrastructure and platform are already configured within the Virtual Desktop environment; Clients simply need to define desktop settings, number of users and then all existing data is migrated for each user – in the background so work can still continue as the migration is happening.
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Scaling with Virtual Desktop services only involves requesting additional desktop instances, emails or user licenses, saving both money and time by not preparing new hardware. This is especially useful when onboarding new employees or when there is a turnover in staff.
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Additionally, resources and costs can be managed if users are not going to be active for a given time – giving organizations full control over how much they are spending on their IT and user licenses on a monthly basis.
Let's Work Together
Get in touch with our team so we can offer you a free consultation and review of your current IT Infrastructure. We are confident we will be able to help streamline your workflow and reduce your costs.