What Is A Hosted Desktop?
Cloud hosted desktop solutions are rapidly becoming a popular alternative to traditional desktop computing because they remove the need for physical infrastructure, which reduces IT costs in addition to other benefits.
Introduction.
Cloud hosted desktops provide businesses with all of the benefits of a traditional IT infrastructure only at a fraction of the cost of implementing and maintaining a desktop PC environment in-house. A hosted desktop solution provides the flexibility and scalability you need to easily implement changing business needs while placing the update and maintenance responsibilities in the hands of a cloud provider.
If you are unfamiliar with a cloud hosted desktop environment, the information in this article will provide you with a general understanding of hosted desktops along with some of the benefits and drawbacks to using cloud hosted desktop solutions.
What is a Cloud Hosted Desktop?
A cloud hosted desktop is also commonly referred to as a hosted virtual desktop (HVD) or virtual desktop. Although there are multiple terms for referring to this type of IT environment which are interchangeable, a hosted desktop is a web based user interface which acts as a gateway for the end user to access files, data, and applications which are essential to business productivity.
Instead of using an IT infrastructure in-house with files, data, and applications hosted on the company network, the infrastructure and network is moved off the premises to a cloud service provider. Each desktop instance exists on the servers maintained by the cloud provider and are accessed by the end user using a web browser. For this reason, a hosted desktop environment is commonly called Desktop as a Service (DaaS).
When companies obtain cloud hosted desktop services or DaaS from a cloud provider, the provider oversees backup, storage, security, and upgrades while the company pays for the services they obtain. This arrangement significantly reduces IT infrastructure costs. Typically, this type of setup is on a “pay-as-you-go” basis which allows for greater flexibility when it comes to adding or scaling down services.
How Does It Work?
Cloud hosted desktops simplify operations for both business owners and IT managers. This type of environment combines the conventional functions of an office PC with the convenience and cost effectiveness of cloud infrastructure. The complexities involved with configuring, maintaining, and securing office PCs and desktop applications are replaced with a turnkey solution which provides IT services on demand with a click of a button.
Cloud hosted desktops function just like a conventional office PC. The end user can still view the same screen setup, type on the keyboard, operate the mouse, access a web browser, run the same software programs, and more. For example, if you use a spreadsheet application such as Microsoft Excel or an email client such as Microsoft Outlook, you can still access these applications on a cloud hosted desktop. The only difference is they are accessed via the user interface gateway as opposed to a conventional desktop setup.
If the company uses Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software or an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform, these types of applications can also be accessed through a web-based user interface. The difference is the applications run inside the virtual desktop with the infrastructure and applications housed on the server provided by the cloud service.
The virtual desktop is accessed over the Internet using your web browser on any type of device including a desktop, laptop, or tablet PC, or a mobile device such as a smart phone. This means that files and data are backed up and stored in a secure environment maintained by the cloud services provider which makes them accessible from anywhere and at any time.
In most cloud hosted desktop environments, there is also a shared work space which allows multiple users to share and update files, as well as collaborate on projects in a real-time setting. Additionally, the Central Processing Unit and Random Access Memory are hosted by the cloud provider so you never have to be concerned about processing speed or using a high end device to ensure productivity.
Why would you consider implementing a hosted desktop solution?
There are many different reasons why more businesses both large and small are considering a cloud hosted desktop solution. Some of the reasons include but are not limited to:
Cost Savings: Implementing a cloud hosted desktop environment means that your business will never have to be concerned about shelling out a large upfront IT investment in order to get started. Additionally, you never have maintenance, security, and upgrade costs and responsibilities as these are taken care of by the cloud services provider while you enjoy access to the latest IT technologies.
Flexibility and Scalability: When you obtain cloud hosted desktop services you pay a per-user per-month fee plus, you only pay for the services you need. The fee which is charged by the cloud services provider includes access to corporate level infrastructure and end user support. In some cases it also includes training for new applications.
The system can be scaled up or down to accommodate changing business needs while providing access to an advanced level infrastructure which would otherwise be out of reach for smaller organizations.
Secure Access: Most cloud service providers are required to implement infrastructure which is designed to meet security compliance such as SSAE-16 certification, PCI compliance, and other standards which are industry-specific. Meeting these required standards is a costly proposition in terms of IT infrastructure. This means that companies save on these costs while providing their workers with access to applications, files, and data from anywhere at any time without having to worry about security. It also alleviates the hassles of managing collaboration between multiple departments and/or office locations.
Disaster Recovery: Failure to plan for disaster recovery is the primary reason many businesses close their doors following a catastrophe. Many businesses do not plan for disaster due to the costs and complexities involved with implementing a disaster recovery plan. When you use cloud hosted desktop solutions, the responsibilities associated with disaster recovery are handled by the cloud services provider. And, since the files, data, and applications can be accessed from anywhere, you can still continue business operations even if you have temporarily lost your business facility.
Business Continuity and Productivity: When you implement cloud hosted desktop solutions, this improves business continuity and productivity since there are no hassles with technical difficulties and IT downtime. When you choose a reputable cloud services provider, most of them guarantee an uptime of at least 99.9%. Additionally, employee productivity is never compromised since you have access to help desk support 24/7.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of using a hosted desktop solution?
The main advantage of using a hosted desktop solution is the reduced costs for startup and implementation. In most cases, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) can be reduced by as much as 70 to 90 percent. Additionally, your utility costs are lower due to improved power consumption, reduced need for IT cooling systems and maintenance, in addition to other monthly expenses associated with business productivity needs.
In terms of disadvantages, there can be a few if you do not choose the right cloud services provider. In this case, some of the disadvantages can include excess CPU usage, not enough Random Access Memory (RAM) to ensure ongoing productivity, inadequate configurations and bandwidth for multimedia-based applications, and incorrect network configurations which can pose security risks.
What are the costs?
The costs of implementing and using a cloud hosted desktop solution of course will vary according to your location and the cloud service provider you choose. However, below is general information to help you understand how the pricing works and approximately how much it costs.
Hosted Desktop Pricing Explained
A hosted desktop provider may present you with several options for implementation which may affect the cost. Some of the options may include but are not limited to:
Minimum Number of Desktops: A hosted desktop provider may place a minimum on your order for a hosted desktop service. For example, they may implement a solution for you as long as you have at least 30 desktop instances.
Microsoft Licensing: The cost of the licensing for a Microsoft operating system may not be included in the pricing. This is especially true with hosted desktop providers which are aimed at organizations that use volume licensing plans which can be integrated with the hosted desktop platform.
Short Term Pilot Implementation: For organizations who want to test a hosted desktop solution, there may be an initial cost of setting up a virtual desktop platform which is tailored to the specific needs of your organization. Additionally, some cloud service providers place limitations on the number of desktops which can be used for the test pilot project.
Free Trial Desktops: In some instances, the hosted desktop provider will allow a limited number of free trial desktops to allow you to test drive the solution before you commit. The downside to this approach is it is usually a “one-size-fits-all” configuration which is not properly suited for individual business needs. Our IT Department provided a 30 day trial before we decided to purchase the system outright. Visit their website to find out more.
These are a few options which may or may not add to the costs associated with initial setup. That said, here are some general figures to provide you with an idea of how much it will cost to set up a cloud desktop solution along with ongoing monthly fees for using the service. The costs are based on the following criteria:
Number of Users
Specific Applications Required per User
Other Required Applications
Configuration Information for Hosted Exchange and Hosted Microsoft Lync
Hosted Desktop Bandwidth Requirements
For cloud hosted desktop services in the US, the base price breakdown would look something like the following:
Desktop RAM – 1.5GB
CPU per Desktop – 1 CPU
Persistent Storage per Desktop – 250MB
Desktop Bandwidth 100 Mbps – Unlimited
24/7 Support – Included
Number of Users – 50+
Total Monthly Price: $29.99 per month
Cost for setup and configuration is based on the number of users, types of applications, and other specific organizational needs.
For cloud hosted desktop services in the UK, the base price breakdown would look something like the following:
Desktop RAM – 1.5GB
CPU per Desktop – 1 CPU
Persistent Storage per Desktop – 250MB
Desktop Bandwidth 100 Mbps – Unlimited
24/7 Support – Included
Number of Users – 50+
Total Monthly Price: £15.00 per month
Cost for setup and configuration is based on the number of users, types of applications, and other specific organizational needs.
Additionally, keep in mind that these are general cost requirements. Most hosted desktop providers will encourage you to contact them for a personal quote since there are so many factors that come into the equation based on organizational needs.
Where Can I Purchase a Hosted Desktop Solution?
Before you purchase a hosted desktop solution for your company, it is very important to invest the time to do your research on cloud hosted desktop providers. Like anything else, there are reputable providers and not so trustworthy providers. When you are trusting your business productivity to a specific provider, you must make sure it is the right one.
Some of the top hosted desktop solutions providers include On the Net Office which provides fully managed virtual desktop solutions starting as low as $39 per user with 100% compatibility for Windows, Apple, iPhone, and iPad.
Additionally, Tegile Zebi provides hybrid storage arrays which simplify virtual desktop infrastructures by centralizing operations while increasing capacity. This type of solution is offered via individual price quotes depending upon organization requirements.
Another hosted desktop solutions provider is Insight located in the UK. They provide fully managed solutions with prices starting at £24.99 per user in a pay-as-you-go model which is fast and easy to set up.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Cloud Hosted Desktops?
When you consider implementing cloud hosted desktop solutions, it is likely you will find that there are more pros than cons to using this type of environment. However, we will help you to make an informed decision by highlighting a few hosted desktop pros and cons.
Pros
Each desktop user accesses the same image in each instance which reduces support costs.
PC upgrades are minimized since the desktop is moved to the cloud provider’s server.
IT hardware costs are reduced due to less infrastructure and increased mobility.
There is no need to perform security upgrades on each desktop PC.
Troubleshooting can performed directly from the data center.
Application upgrades are automatically implemented by the cloud service provider.
Cons
Depending upon business requirements, it may be necessary to implement a unique image for each desktop instance.
If you fail to do your homework, you may end up with a hosted desktop provider that is unreliable and does not adequately offer the services, uptime, and bandwidth as originally promised.
Your cloud services provider may not operate under a Service Level Agreement (SLA) which guarantees a specific percentage of uptime and optimal service delivery.
I hope that this information will provide you with the basic foundation you need to determine whether or not you should consider implementing a cloud hosted desktop solution.
Claire is an IT Support specialist with over 5 years’ experience providing small business users with expert advice and guidance in all things cloud. In her spare time, Claire likes to write articles for technology websites.