Decoding Desktop Virtualization: VDI vs. DaaS

Published November 12, 2024

VDI vs DaaS

Let’s explore the journey of VDI and DaaS.

DaaS vs VDI

Many companies are rethinking their approach to technology, with more organizations switching to cloud-based computing solutions.
Cloud-based architecture offers businesses several advantages, including:

Improved synchronization across all operations,
Reduced upfront costs, and
Enhanced flexibility to scale resources as needed.

Businesses can choose from multiple cloud-based computing options, depending on their unique requirements, budget, and strategy.
Among the most popular virtual desktop platforms are DaaS and VDI, each widely used across various industries.
While DaaS and VDI share similarities, they differ in how they deliver virtual desktops hosted in the cloud.
Understanding the benefits and challenges of each option is crucial to selecting the right solution.
Let’s explore the main differences between VDI and DaaS, compare their pros and cons, examine their use cases, and see how they stack up against each other.

DaaS

DaaS

Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) offers a fully-featured virtual desktop environment hosted by a third-party cloud provider. With DaaS, employees can access their desktop—including all applications, files, and settings—from nearly any device with internet access.

As a subscription-based solution, DaaS helps organizations cut costs by removing the need for significant upfront investments in physical hardware. It also allows seamless scalability, letting businesses adjust their digital infrastructure according to user demand—an ideal feature for those with seasonal or fluctuating workforce needs.

DaaS platforms generally offer two desktop models: persistent and non-persistent.

Persistent DaaS enables users to customize their desktop environment. Any changes and settings are saved and restored each time they log in, making it well-suited for daily tasks without repeated setup.
Non-persistent desktops, in contrast, discard user alterations after each logout. These desktops are typically lighter on resources and are designed for one-time tasks that don’t require saved configurations or reloaded programs.

Advantages of DaaS

Cost Saving: As mentioned, DaaS reduces the upfront cost of buying expensive hardware. The subscription-based plan allows organizations to pay only for what they use, when they use it.
Device Diversity: DaaS allows you to configure your virtual desktop according to your hardware and software needs. This includes CPU, memory, GPU, and operating system. While most DaaS providers offer Windows and Linux desktops, companies like MacStadium offer MacOS DaaS environments.
Quick and Straightforward Setup: Typically, DaaS service packages come as preconfigured desktop environments. DaaS is much simpler to set up and run than other cloud-based computing solutions.
Enhanced Security: DaaS providers usually implement different cybersecurity measures, such as IAM and data encryption. Moreover, since data is stored in the cloud rather than physical hard drives, the chances of data loss or theft are diminished with DaaS.
Reduced IT Management: Since the system provider manages the infrastructure, updates, and security, internal IT teams have more room to focus on strategic tasks.

What Are the Challenges of Using DaaS?

Limited Control: Compared to some other cloud-based solutions, DaaS gives companies limited control over the system’s infrastructure. Since the provider manages it, processes such as updates and security are out of users’ hands.
Ongoing Costs: While a DaaS subscription plan initially costs far less than purchasing hardware, the long-term cost can be higher than that of a traditional on-premise setup.
Latency and Performance Issues: Certain use cases that require acute responsiveness or a lot of processing can experience latency or reduced performance on DaaS. Moreover, each system’s performance can vary depending on server loads and shared resources.
Security and Compliance Concerns: Security measures cannot be compromised for organizations that deal with sensitive and private data, especially those in heavily regulated industries. While DaaS providers generally offer decent security measures, some specific compliance requirements are difficult to meet in a multi-tenant cloud environment.

VDI

VDI

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) provides a centralized server of virtual machines, delivering a desktop environment for employees. Unlike DaaS, VDI requires the company’s internal IT team to handle setup, configuration, and maintenance of the infrastructure.

Companies can choose from three VDI deployment methods: on-premise, cloud-based, and hybrid.

On-Premise VDI

Here, servers, storage, and networking are hosted and managed within the company’s data center. This setup gives organizations full control over their environment, making it highly customizable and secure—provided they’re prepared for a larger investment.

Cloud-Based VDI

With cloud-based VDI, a third-party provider hosts the infrastructure, reducing the need for on-site hardware and maintenance. This setup is both scalable and cost-effective, making it an attractive option for many businesses.

Hybrid VDI

Hybrid setups offer a flexible combination of both methods. Low-maintenance tasks can run on cloud servers, while sensitive tasks requiring specific compliance or performance standards can be managed on internally hosted virtual machines.

Advantages of VDI

Dedicated Resources: Even if you opt for cloud-based solutions, VDI systems often come with dedicated resources, meaning that your security will not be jeopardized by account activities from another user. All the resources will be exclusive to you, resulting in a boost in security and performance.
Full Operational Control: VDI allows complete control over every aspect of the infrastructure, especially with on-premise setups. Everything from specific hardware configurations to security compliance and software can be tailored according to demand.
Cloud Scalability: Similar to DaaS solutions, cloud-based VDIs can be easily scaled up or down according to a company’s needs. With on-premise setups, scaling the setup usually takes more time and resources since you’re dealing with hardware.
Enhanced Security: VDI enables companies handling sensitive or private data to fully customize their security settings, allowing them to implement specific measures that minimize risks and align with industry regulations.

What Are the Challenges of Using VDI?

High Initial Cost: For a virtual desktop experience, VDI can be more expensive than other solutions, especially if you opt for an on-premise setup. Besides the hefty investment in hardware and network, you’ll need a dedicated IT team to set up, maintain, and regulate both hardware and software.
Security and Maintenance Challenges: With VDI infrastructures, security, software updates, and other regulatory measures become your responsibility. That, plus hardware maintenance in on-premise systems, can impose additional costs and be time-consuming for your IT team.
Scalability Limitations: Scaling an on-premise VDI solution can be challenging since it requires additional hardware, storage, and network resources. This can slow down the process, especially for growing organizations.
Performance Issues: VDI systems are susceptible to performance issues if your resources and hardware are overloaded. High demand or insufficient resources can negatively impact user experience.

VDI vs DaaS : Decoding Desktop Virtualization

DaaS and VDI may seem similar, but each has unique features that suit different users.
Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) is ideal if you’re seeking a quick, easy-to-use, and budget-friendly solution. Many organizations across diverse sectors have adopted DaaS for its cost efficiency and strong security.
Educational institutions often use DaaS to create remote learning environments, while manufacturing companies use it to provide high-powered virtual desktops for CAD and design tools. DaaS also supports call centers by giving agents remote desktop access for streamlined operations. Other industries using DaaS include healthcare, finance, legal services, and retail.
However, DaaS isn’t always the right choice. Some industries, such as high-performance computing (HPC) companies, video editing and animation studios, and real-time production environments, often need on-premise, high-performance systems for maximum productivity.
Sectors with strict regulations, like government agencies and defense contractors, may prefer full control over their infrastructure. Despite DaaS providers offering robust security, these organizations may need on-premise solutions to meet regulatory standards and minimize security risks.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), by contrast, allows companies to centralize and streamline IT management. VDI solves DaaS challenges like tighter security and custom configurations, though it typically costs more and demands more resources from the IT team.
Any organization that benefits from DaaS can also benefit from a VDI setup. However, since VDI is often more expensive and resource-intensive, not every business sees a strong ROI from a complex, on-premise virtual desktop system.
For industries where strict security and regulation are crucial, VDI is often the more suitable option. For example, healthcare organizations that need to comply with standards like HIPAA can leverage VDI’s robust security features.
Considering these factors, you now have a clearer understanding of VDI vs. DaaS and which option best meets your organization’s needs.

DaaS vs VDI : WHICH ONE ?

In addition to big tech organizations like Microsoft and Amazon, several newer companies have emerged in recent years, offering solutions with unique features. Depending on your business needs and budgets, these alternatives may prove more useful.

Citrix DaaS is one of the biggest virtual desktop providers of 2024, holding over 40% of the mind share according to the PeerSpot’s website. Other providers include AWS, and Horizon Cloud Service. Moreover, Microsoft Remote Desktop Services and VMware Fusion Pro are among the most popular VDI providers on the market.

Launched in 2024, Cloudzy’s DaaS solution enables you to create a cloud-based virtual desktop service with popular operating systems. Need Windows, Debian, or Ubuntu virtual desktops? We’ve got you covered! Additionally, our Desktop as a Service solution removes connection barriers. Say goodbye to the hassle of managing client applications and protocols—your virtual desktop service is accessible directly through your browser. We are dedicated to providing a seamless, affordable, and high-performance virtual experience.