What Is a Hosted Desktop

Nowadays, traditional software applications like Microsoft Office, CRMs, and accounting systems are usually run on local Windows PCs. These apps often rely on shared data stored centrally on an on-site server. However, with the rise in remote work, accessing this data has become quite challenging. Cloud-based applications have become popular, yet some still dependent on Windows OS and desktop computing power. In such situations, hosted desktops can be a lifesaver as they work by migrating these applications to cloud-hosted desktops / Windows servers, enabling remote access and operation.

Let’s understand everything about hosted desktops, how they work, and how you can benefit from them.

What is a Remote Hosted Desktop?

In the realm of computing, “hosting” involves outsourcing IT services to a third party for their management. An illustrative example is web hosting, where businesses entrust professionals to oversee their sites, capitalizing on scale, stability, and security. Similar to this, Hosted Desktops delegate server management to cloud computing companies, ensuring functionality, troubleshooting, and upkeep.

How Do Hosted Remote Desktops Work

Hosted desktops, or Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS), revolutionize accessibility. Users can reach their desktops anywhere on any device via the internet, liberating them from fixed locations. Unlike traditional setups, this mobility is unrestricted.

Accessible through global hosting services, hosted desktops mirror local counterparts, enabling email, web browsing, and practice management system use. An outstanding facet is heightened security resulting from cloud storage with robust backups and safeguards. This shields data, ensuring continuous safety.

Benefits of Hosted Desktops

Hosted Desktops offer numerous advantages over local servers, including:

• Work Anywhere Access: Hosted Desktops offer global access from any device, eliminating file transfers. Users connect securely and seamlessly from various locations.
• Hybrid & Remote Solution: Hosted Desktops solve infrastructure challenges in hybrid and remote work setups without capital expenditure.
• Enhanced Productivity: Hosted Desktops enable efficient remote collaboration, leveraging high-performance cloud servers. Older hardware functions optimally.
• Unmatched Flexibility: Hosted Desktops liberate users from device constraints, allowing work on borrowed devices. Data security is assured within secure data centers.
• Heightened Security: Hosted Desktops integrate robust protection against viruses and cyber threats. Data security is elevated with top-tier Data Centre safeguards.
• BYOD Support: Hosted Desktops accommodate diverse devices, enhancing security. Corporate data remains on secure servers, impervious to device-level threats.
• Disaster Recovery & Continuity: Hosted Desktops ensure off-site data storage, enabling productivity even amid disruptions. Business continuity is guaranteed.
• Reduced IT Overhead: Hosted Desktops cut generic troubleshooting, allowing IT to focus on strategic tasks and fostering business growth.
• Simplified Management: Hosted Desktops allow central administration for updates and changes, eliminating physical device access needs.
• Cost Efficiency: Hosted Desktops demand minimal hardware resources, extending device lifespan and reducing upgrade costs.
• Reduced Capex: Hosted Desktops’ subscription model eliminates hardware investments, channeling resources towards value-added initiatives.
• OPEX Predictability: Fixed, monthly pricing simplifies budgeting, enhances cash flow, and aids strategic planning.
• Agility & Scalability: Hosted Desktops suit quick expansion and agile responses, enabling fast provisioning and application deployment.
• Future-Proofing: Hosted Desktops ensure consistent, up-to-date environments with uniform user experiences. Scaling resources is effortless.
• Space Efficiency: Hosted Desktops reduce on-site hardware, saving desk and floor space, minimizing the need for extra office room.
• Eco-Friendly Impact: Hosted Desktops curtail power consumption, extend hardware lifespan, and promote green practices through remote work enablement.

Hosted Desktops vs. Cloud Desktops

Although hosted desktops offer advantages, they have limitations. On-premises Virtual Desktop Infrastructures (VDIs) demand hardware investments and specialized IT management, including permissions and security for each user. Mobile compatibility is also constrained due to screen size and distortion concerns.

Conversely, a cloud desktop resides within a cloud environment, relying on cloud servers for all needs. This is termed Desktop as a Service (DaaS). Over the years, cloud desktop models have become popular as providers handle infrastructure and management costs, differing from VDI, where clients invest in network, infrastructure, and storage. Third-party cloud providers host VDI backends, while DaaS providers stream desktops to end-user devices.

Switch to Digital Workspaces with Mobiz

Mobiz offers outsourced digital workplace services for remote access and productivity. With cross-device compatibility and advanced collaboration tools, teams collaborate seamlessly. Cloud-based solutions provide secure data storage and automation. Virtual desktop infrastructure enhances mobility. Robust security, Single Sign-On, managed IT support and mobile device management fortify data protection. Intuitive self-service empowers employees. Personalization options and data-driven analytics optimize user experiences and decision-making.

Some of our key services include the following:

DaaS and VDI

Elevate workforce potential with our managed, scalable DaaS and cloud-based VDI solutions. Access personalized virtual desktop hosting from any device without any hardware constraints. With streamlined IT and heightened security, companies can enhance productivity and user satisfaction.

Citrix ADC

Empower applications with superior performance via Citrix ADC. Enhance availability and optimize critical app performance. Bolster security against cyber threats, ensuring seamless and secure app delivery even during peaks.

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

Shift security paradigms with ZTNA. Authorize users and devices before network entry, bolstered by adaptive security. Block unauthorized access, safeguarding against evolving cyber threats.

Secure Access

Ensure robust data protection with fortified authentication and encryption. Secure access employs zero-trust principles, verifying users’ and devices’ pre-network entry and ensuring data security during remote interactions.

Sharefile

Streamline secure collaboration with ShareFile. Enable effortless file sharing with granular access control. Simplify syncing, storage, and collaboration for seamless workflows and secure data exchange.

Analytics

Unleash data potential with advanced analytics. Gain insights into operations, performance, and behavior. Leverage actionable intelligence, optimizing decisions and processes for competitive advantage.

The Bottom Line

In a rapidly evolving work landscape, Hosted Desktops provide a solution bridging traditional software with modern remote needs. Transitioning applications to cloud-hosted Windows servers enables seamless remote access, overcoming the limitations of local PCs. Benefits include cross-device compatibility, heightened security, reduced IT overhead, and optimized collaboration. Mobiz offers tailored DaaS and VDI solutions, fortified security measures, and advanced analytics. This digital transformation empowers organizations to embrace remote work, enhancing productivity, security, and agility for a dynamic business environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Citrix Hosted Shared Desktop?

Citrix’s hosted shared desktop technology offers end users a hosted virtual desktop experience that diverges from conventional virtual machine technology.

What Is the Difference Between Hosted Shared Desktop and VDI?

In hosted shared desktops, multiple users utilize a single Windows server, while virtual desktops allocate individual operating systems to each user.

How Does Hosted Virtual Desktop Work?

A hosted virtual desktop (HVD) is a fully functional desktop environment operating as a virtual machine, harnessing cloud-based servers for computing and storage. HVDs are established using virtualization software from vendors like Microsoft, VMware, and Amazon.