Virtual desktops are not a new concept.

The ability to provide users with a virtual desktop experience has been around for a few years now thanks to technology by companies like Citrixand VMware, but actual adoption, at least from a mainstream business user perspective has been limited at best. The reasons for the less than stellar adoption to date have been a result of concerns around user acceptance, cost to deploy, impact on IT, and availability of connectivity. These barriers to adoption have in part been addressed recently thanks to several key technology trends. Arguably one main concern around VDI/DaaS is that connectivity is required to actually access a corporate desktop.

While this is an accurate statement, thanks to much of the world approaching the point of ubiquitous connectivity it is really becoming a moot point. Yes, connectivity is necessary for full VDI/DaaS functionality but most places, including more and more planes, now have WiFi available.

In addition, many devices have 3G or 4G connectivity capabilities built-in meaning the time an employee would be completely without connectivity would be minimal. Corporations are also facing challenges that have brought virtual desktops solutions to the forefront. Employees are using a variety of devices to perform their job from anywhere and IT has had to address corporate and industry requirements around data security.

How can IT control corporate data if it is physically residing on an increasing number of devices that may or may not be corporate issued and controlled?

Virtual desktops are the answer. They allow IT to retain total control of corporate data and applications which never leave the confines of the data center. The devices become a means to access the information required for an employee to do their job. The use of virtual desktops and cloud based storage allow the enterprise to retain control of data so IT can loosen, or even totally remove, controls around what devices an employee can actually use. This has the added benefit of reducing costs. As more and more businesses are adopting a bring-your-own-device policy for employees, IT no longer has to be in the end user hardware business, reducing capex costs as well as limiting desktop support. In addition, because these desktops are now virtual, IT rarely has to be in the same physical location as an employee to assist with issues when they occur.

Cultural shifts may be the final hurdle towards VDI/DaaS adoption but thanks to the explosion of cloud based applications, consumer devices, and collaboration tools mobility users of all ages are extremely comfortable with the idea that their data and applications may not reside on the physical device they have in their possession. We have now gotten to a point with the actual, physical desktop device is considered almost disposable to the user as that device will change as a users location changes or as the newest, flashiest device comes to market. It is this perfect storm of technology advances, cultural shifts and business needs coming together that is what Navisite believes has made 2012 the time to consider DaaS. It is the right solution for your business to provide employees flexibility and choice, while significantly reducing corporate costs, freeing up IT from time consuming but tedious support tasks, and protecting corporate information.

It is this perfect storm of technology advances, cultural shifts and business needs coming together that is what Navisite believes has made 2012 the time to consider DaaS.

Seize the opportunity to sample Navisite’s NaviCloud® DaaS Desktop-as-a-Service solution free for 14 days and begin visualizing a strategy for secure desktop and application delivery, via the Cloud, without the up-front CapEx of traditional VDI. To sign up, complete the short form on our free trial registration page.

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