The world continues to evolve, and technology continues to evolve even faster.  As we find faster and more improved ways to consume information, sometimes it feels like we are going in the opposite direction by adding more and more devices or the devices keep getting larger.  This is where there is a need for convergence of devices, and cloud computing definitely brings the solutions to make that happen.

Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) which is a form of a virtual desktop solution provides the ability for any user to access a virtual desktop or a cloud computer from any location with an internet connection.  Therefore, DaaS solutions provide the ability to access your data and content from anywhere even if it is not a device that you personally own.  Some typical use cases for DaaS:

• Access your work information from work or home without having to carry around a computer
• Upgrade an old computer without having to buy a new piece of hardware
• Run high performance and resource intensive programs on any device even if it doesn’t have the right specifications
• Add additional computers at home without having to actually buy a physical computer, so you can convert that tablet or phone into a high performance computer

Every use case will vary from person to person, so it is important for you to do your homework and confirm your reasons for needing a virtual desktop.  From there, DaaS providers will vary in their offerings from cost to technology to flexibility to compatibility, and, of course, accessibility.

Here are our thoughts on some of the top DaaS providers today:

Shells

Shells is an exciting newcomer in the scene whose mission statement is “bridging the digital divide.” It provides a multi-platform (could run on virtually any electronic device including smartphones, TV’s and gaming consoles) and multi-OS (Various Linux distros, Windows) that runs through a browser.

Shells makes use of SPICE (Simple Protocol for Independent Computing Environments), a new protocol that enables access to cloud desktops from various machine architectures.

The offers are divided into three tiers (Lite, Basic, and Pro) intended for businesses as well as casual users.  Shells Pro, which is built for professionals in mind, offers a quad-core virtual CPU with 160GB of storage 8GB of RAM, and unlimited access and bandwidth. Every plan includes free daily backups up to 7-days

Pros:

• Low monthly plan with no hidden fees  (starts from 4.95$ up to 36.95$ for the pro version)
• Extremely easy to use
• Multiple OS options that can be accessed through any low-spec device
• They use their own infrastructure/datacenters

Cons:

• A newcomer to the market
• The datacenter count is still growing, compared to other provider

Microsoft’s Virtual Desktops and Azure

Microsoft has an unofficial presence in the DaaS market through the Microsoft Azure RemoteApp. This offer allows you to use applications remotely and offers several DaaS-adjacent features, yet does not provide direct access to a desktop interface. This is a rather minimalist solution that exists in cloud or hybrid formats.

Pros:

• Geographical coverage
• Experienced player
• Architecture built around their native OS

Cons:

• Hourly billing
• Restricted to computers
• Limited to Windows
• The serious VDI offers are not all DaaS nor easy to use

Amazon AWS Workspaces

Amazon’s VDI solution, Amazon WorkSpaces is a DaaS cloud service that allows users to install either their own application or use those available through WorkSpaces such as the Microsoft Office suite or Adobe reader.

It makes use of a PCoIP protocol for compression and encryption of data transfers. “Workspaces” also uses Amazon’s SDX protocol. With WorkSpaces Sync, users can synchronize their data with other devices and make use of USB support.  Four offers are available. Prices range from $35 per month for 1 vCPU, 4GB of RAM, and 50GB of storage, to $75 per month for 2 vCPUs, 8GB of RAM, and 50GB of storage.  Geographical location can increase or decrease the price.

Pros:

• Amazon uses its own technology
• Years of experience under their belt

Cons:

• Costs can quickly ramp up and skyrocket
• Restricted to computers and smartphones/tablets
• The platform requires an adaptation time
• Intended for big companies

Citrix Virtual Desktop

Citrix Virtual Desktop is meant for large enterprises. This solution brings together OS, applications, and user profiles in a Data Center which are then assembled as a virtual desktop. This offer relies on AWS cloud for the DaaS solution.

Pros:

• Decent management of the Windows environment

Cons:

• Limited to Windows
• Restricted to computers
• Heavily Technical offers reserved for specialists and large enterprises
• Unaccessible rates

The future of computing is in the virtual desktop, and as technology and internet speeds continue to improve, so will the virtual desktop.  Definitely take advantage of this technology and incorporate it into your daily life as it will certainly lead to convergence of all of those digital devices.