DESKTOP AS A SERVICE
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You’ll also need to manage identities through a highly secure multi-factor authentication system system to make sure that only the authorised user can access their desktop.
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Overcoming barriers Some customers are wary of adopting DaaS, but common concerns can be overcome. Tim notes that one common barrier is a worry over data location and egress. “It’s important that data storage meets contractual requirements and can be migrated in the future,” he says. “Technical expertise is necessary to manage DaaS estates as some vendors offer complex administration. “Also, cost is a concern. DaaS can offer great ROI when factored into wider strategy and when appropriate solutions are used. Without research and guidance, a DaaS solution can be expensive and underperform, so wise partner choice is critical.” Stephen agrees that the biggest barrier to customers is often cost. “Most businesses can lease a laptop with a Windows 11 platform on it for the same price as they can lease DaaS,” he says. “You could move from one to the other, but you still need the device, which the employer is paying for. When BYOD becomes standard, that’s when I think we’ll begin to see a real shift to DaaS.” Miguel adds that one of the main things that holds customers back from committing to DaaS is unfamiliarity. “If they have not made use of a managed service before, it can seem like a daunting prospect, especially to an SMB,” he says. “This is why it also makes sense for partners to work with a fully established provider of DaaS like SYNAXON. We have the resources, the expertise and the experience to ensure that everything runs smoothly.” Andy agrees that working with an established partner can be useful for resellers.
“As we partner with most of the leading players in this market, we’re ideally placed to act as a trusted advisor to partners on cloud-based desktops and related solutions. Security is the most important of those adjacent technologies and here too, we are well-positioned to support partners in delivering the best advice and solutions through our security practice.” Security Indeed, as Andy notes, security is also a common concern, but DaaS can be very secure. “While DaaS is undoubtedly more secure than desktops on devices, customers still need to make sure they’re applying security best practice,” notes Stephen. “Most importantly, you’ll need threat protection to defend against cyberattacks, malware and phishing campaigns. “You’ll also need to manage identities through a highly secure multi-factor authentication system to make sure that only the authorised user can access their desktop.” Tim agrees that the security basics need to be adhered to. “DaaS is only as secure as its configuration and usage,” he says. “It offers security benefits through centralisation and reduces vulnerable endpoints, but it needs the basics such as MFA, endpoint security software and users who adhere to best cybersecurity practices.” While DaaS is emerging currently, it appears that as such things as BYOD take hold then so DaaS will become more popular in the months and years to come, so resellers should be looking to offer it now.
Miguel Rodriguez managing director SYNAXON Hub
synaxon-services.com
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If they have not made use of a managed
service before, it can seem like a daunting prospect, especially to an SMB.
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