Best Add-On Features for Virtual Desktops

Technology is intended to make our lives and work simpler and more streamlined. But as the number of applications the average worker, department manager and IT staff deals with on a daily basis continues to increase, it’s easy for that promise of simplification and streamlining to go out the window. Software and solution bundling has risen as a natural answer to this issue.

The rise of cloud solutions has opened the door further to solution bundling. Since many functions of computing can now be cloud-based it’s easy for one solution provider to offer multiple services and features that fit a common use case.  Cloud desktop solutions are no exception. Designed to make end user computing more secure and easier to access, many desktop as a service (DaaS) providers offer additional solutions and features that are ideal complements to the primary virtual desktop solution.

If your organization is adopting a cloud-first approach, there are a few key additional services you may be able to get from your DaaS provider.

Application Virtualization

App streaming and virtual desktops are meant for each other. App streaming allows any required application to be accessed and used on the virtual desktop, regardless of the make, model and OS of the endpoint device. It’s also an ideal solution for maintaining legacy or in-house apps that are vital to your business. Those older apps may no longer be supported on modern operating systems but can be virtually delivered rather than replaced.

Application streaming also helps improve the performance of the virtual desktops and reduce management. With this method, apps are separated from the desktop, allowing organizations to reduce the number of desktop Golden Images they need to provision and maintain. Instead, more generic GIs are used and necessary apps are streamed to specific users based on need. This reduces desktop “bloat,” ensuring a high performance experience.

Cloud Storage

Data storage is one of the most popular uses of cloud computing today and there are many service providers offering solutions. If you’re already going with a cloud desktop provider, why opt for a different company to house the data accessed by those virtual desktops?

Cloud storage from your DaaS provider not only keeps data closer to the virtual machines that use that information, it also gives you a tighter control on security. The fewer potential points of data breach the better. The provider may even have a file sharing feature to further enhance this offering.

Disaster Recovery 

Disaster recovery is a vital aspect of any IT plan today. Not only do you need to retain business continuity in the event of an issue like a server outage, recent ransomware attacks have made it clear that you need access to a full backup of your information in more dire situations.

Like with cloud storage there are many options for cloud disaster recovery, but if your DaaS provider offers DR services for your desktops and data, it can save you time, hassle and money to stick with a single provider – especially one that works with you like a partner rather than a big box service provider.

VDI Monitoring & Analytics

VDI monitoring is a hot topic right now, and for good reason – you need to know how your virtual desktops are performing before an issue arises that causes end user frustration. Some independent service providers are emerging that offer monitoring and analytic tools, but why shouldn’t your DaaS provider be the one that gives you insight into the environment they’re providing.

If deep insight and management of your environment is important to you, look for a DaaS provider that offers robust monitoring and analytics as a built-in service or as an add-on feature. The analytics you get from a built-in solution custom designed to monitor that provider’s service are sure to be more accurate than a third party system bolted onto your virtual desktop environment.

Why Bundle Tech Solutions

When dealing with a technology stack, the fewer vendors you work with, the easier management is. Instead of dealing with multiple contracts, billing cycles, renewal timelines and support staffs you now have a single point of contact. This not only saves time and stress, but often also results in a lower total cost for all the services you’re getting.

In addition to easier management, integration is a non-issue with the majority of bundled solutions. Whether the features were built from the ground up to work together or a service provider acquired an outside solution, once it becomes part of the bundle the provider has a vested interest in making sure it works correctly with the other features.

With cloud solutions, finding a provider that checks multiple boxes is increasing easy. Identify your primary need and see what additional features a provider may be able to supply along the way for an easier to manage and more integrated tech stack.

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