What is Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
In the last decade, the nature of work has changed more rapidly than ever before. This change calls for workplace solutions that can keep up with the increased need for connectivity and flexibility. This is where Desktop as a Service (DaaS) comes in.
The easiest way to explain what Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is would be that all the processes of a physical desktop computer are served up from the cloud as a virtual desktop. It enables the users to access their work desktops from any place, at any time, as long as they have internet connectivity. In short, the user won’t have to be physically present at the office to access that work email anymore.
Major benefits of Desktop as a Service for Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
1. Increased Productivity due to Ease of Access
When the workstation can be accessed on the go, and the constraints of time and place lose their significance, Productivity is bound to increase. Desktop as a Service provides accounting and finance executives the privilege of working from anywhere in the world, be it from home or while travelling. The days of sitting behind a computer for hours on end are now past. Desktop as a Service can be accessed on any portable device such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones.
2. Data Security and Access Control
Security is of the utmost importance for any accounting or finance-related firm. When data is stored locally on individual end-user devices, the chances of it being compromised are high. Keeping track of who has access to the workstation at a given time is very difficult for the employer. Desktop as a Service is the security solution that accounting firms are looking for.
With Desktop as a Service, data is stored on the cloud, and access to it is constantly monitored. When DaaS is configured in a particular way by the service provider, only authorized users to have access to the workstation with a unique login and password. Exclusive Access Control Lists can also be created by the subscriber or the provider, which gives data access to certain
pre-approved people and all others are automatically blocked.
3. Scalability and flexibility
Since the Desktop is virtually hosted, scalability becomes easy as pie. Scaling with Desktop as a Service does not call for investment in infrastructure or new hardware. Any change required can be communicated to the provider, and once the adjustments to the service are made, new users are immediately added, and changes to the Operating System are implemented for the entire team in one go.
Desktop as a Service is very conducive to the dynamic scalability of operations and accommodating the flexibility requirements of an accounting firm. For Instance, upgrading the Desktop’s memory.
Or operating system doesn’t require installing new hardware on all systems individually, and changes are implemented for all end-users at once.
4. Provides Actionable Data on Usage
The Desktop as a Service model provides a monitoring and evaluation system that cannot be compared to the more traditional workplace models. With Daas, employers can easily keep track of flow-of-work during work hours. Entry and exit time stamps are automatically recorded and can be utilized if the need arises. Additionally, which employees are using software or program can be tracked, and this data can be utilized to optimize investment and time spent on such resources.
5. Reduces Operational Expenses and Capital Expenditure
Desktop as a Service incurs almost no capital expenditure, and the service can be availed on a subscription basis. In a traditional setup that requires physical workstations for the entire team, expensive devices need to be purchased to accommodate the software that CPA firms work with. This expenditure is completely nullified with Daas, where the workstation is virtual, and employees are encouraged to bring their own devices. It saves costs for the employer and promotes ease and device familiarity for the employee.
The cost of scaling the business is also significantly reduced with DaaS. Up-scaling can be done in minutes without the hassle of purchasing and installing new devices and hardware.
6. Convenience and Focus
Desktop as a Service gives CPA firms the freedom to focus solely on their business processes while optimizing their infrastructure and cyber-security needs. The upkeep, maintenance, and security of the files and data of the business fall under the purview of the provider. The hosting provider assures constant technical support and undertakes any troubleshooting tasks that may come up in the regular functioning of the business.
7. Increases Efficiency of IT Services
Most CPA firms have multiple departments, such as HR, Operations, Billing etc. In a traditional setup, in-house IT services have to cater to various machines individually, on a one-on-one basis. With a virtual setup like DaaS hosting, IT services become streamlined and efficient. One technician can monitor and service several desktops at once via the cloud.
On-boarding new clients become much easier and more time-efficient. New upgrades and fixes can be applied uniformly for all end-users at the same time.
To sum up, Desktop as Service comes as a boon for CPA firms. It reduces cost, increases efficiency on multiple levels, and performs cybersecurity threat mitigation more effectively than traditional office setups. This is the future of business operations, and it’s already here.
