How Cloud-Based Virtual Desktops Provide Freedom of Working

Catering to such requirements a decade back meant slow and unproductive systems for remote access. But, today, it means cloud-hosted virtual desktops or Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) - the technology that can allow employees to tap into the company’s applications or resources to work round-the-clock.

Why you need cloud-based virtual desktops for workplace freedom

A virtual desktop is an infrastructure that allows virtual access to desktops, applications and data. While local computers use OS and resources of the system, virtual desktops remotely use OS and resources on a server.

When the cloud powers VDI, businesses can access desktops remotely and use these VMs on different devices, such as smartphones, laptops or tablets.

Let’s explore how cloud-hosted virtual desktops offer freedom of working:

1. No geographical barrier

Imagine being able to hire people with no geographical restrictions. We’ve always restricted our hiring processes based on the location of the candidate and our ability to offer accommodation and remuneration accordingly. However, cloud desktops are blurring these lines, as businesses can hire skilled and experienced employees across the globe.

Cloud-hosted virtual desktops offer remote access to desktops, applications and business data. The cloud also ensures smooth communication in real-time.

Your current employee base also enjoys the flexibility of virtual desktops. You can hire people globally and also allow your current workforce to work from anywhere. Whether your employees want to work from their home city or work on the go, anything is possible.

2. Low hardware dependency

An essential task for your IT team is managing your office desktops. They spend most of the time integrating apps, maintaining uptime and reducing unwanted access on PCs. When these PCs fail, your IT staff repairs them quickly.

With DaaS, hardware dependency is minimal. Although you still need a device with an internet connection to access your desktop, there’s no limitation on the type of device - it’s possible to access virtual desktops on a laptop, personal mobile phone or tablet.

If a system shuts down unexpectedly, the employee can move to another device and start working without delay.

Additionally, low hardware dependency empowers businesses to allow BYOD policy. The IT team doesn’t need to work too much to offer flexible access to employees. It is painless and effective.

3. Secure data access

Many shiver at the thought of experiencing a cyberattack like ransomware or other security breakdowns, but there’s a virtual solution to the security loopholes faced inside an organization. Cloud-based virtual desktops don’t rely on your end devices - regardless of the endpoint used by your business, data is still on the cloud server.

With cloud desktops, only a virtual copy of the system is opened on the endpoint. For example, if you’re opening a virtual desktop on a tablet or iPad, this device uses a virtual copy of your desktop, but it doesn’t contain any copy of data or cache files.

So after signing out of cloud desktop, if you check the storage of the iPad, you won’t find any data on your office desktops.

Another critical security implementation on the cloud is the intrusion detection and prevention system. This monitors the cloud to identify and address intrusions without fail. The system automatically addresses many intrusions, and some are forwarded to the CSP’s cloud security experts.

With this level of security, your employees can work from anywhere and anytime without the fear of cyberattacks. 

4. Lower costs

For remote working or freedom of working, cost is a crucial factor. Your capital expenses are dented when you use VDI setup or other forms of remote access.

On the cloud, implementation and deployment costs are mitigated. Businesses don’t need to purchase hardware or too many software licenses for deployment.

On top of this, the hardware that you’re currently using to access the cloud can be used for longer. You can improve hardware or RAM configurations in virtual desktops on the cloud without changing hardware units.

Another method to save costs on the cloud is that virtual desktops on the cloud don’t cost you a lot while scaling. In fact, many businesses can even consider descaling when the seasonal or peak demands cease, and the payment will be decreased accordingly. 

5. Round-the-clock working

The cloud adds to your freedom of working by allowing round-the-clock operations. As you hire people from different geographical regions and time zones, you can also design an around-the-clock working mechanism where some employees are available. In contrast, others enjoy the freedom they need and can resume their services when needed. This means your business will never sleep.

6. Managed resources

A managed service is an out-of-the-box and ready-to-use solution. Cloud-hosted virtual desktops are one of these solutions.

Without the cloud, an internal IT team manages remote working infrastructure. However, on the cloud with virtual desktops, the CSP gives managed resources. It uses different technologies, tools and experts to handle this requirement, from desktop upkeep to downtime minimization.

A new technological era with virtual desktops

Since we have access to advanced technology today, it only seems logical to work remotely or have freedom of working. However, the harsh reality is personal devices generate security concerns. The IT team needs to work long hours to look after the security and prepare personal devices for office use. Cloud-hosted virtual desktops securely allow central management of data, giving the desired freedom in any business.