For SMBs running hybrid operations, desktop as a service is becoming an increasingly appealing option to take away the hassle of managing desktops and security – which presents opportunities for resellers.
For small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) human resources are often stretched, and those with technical expertise in managing networks are rare. With many SMBs embracing digitalisation and hybrid working, it has meant that managing desktops is a lot more complex than it was even just a few years ago, exacerbating the problem.
Increasingly, SMBs managers are turning to desktop as a service (DaaS) to help manage their desktops more effectively – and save money into the bargain.
“SMBs increasingly see DaaS as a way to reduce capital spending, simplify operations and support flexible working,” says Paul Collins, CTO at UBDS Digital. “The ability to deliver secure desktops without physical hardware investments is particularly appealing in today’s economic climate.”
Mike Barron, UK managing director at SYNAXON, agrees that DaaS is an effective option for SMBs, especially if they are running a hybrid working model. “As it means users can access their desktop apps and services from anywhere,” he says.
“DaaS makes a lot of sense for SMBs – it’s simple and cost-efficient and takes away all the hassle of managing desktops and security. For partners it presents an opportunity to develop and grow their managed services business.”
Trends
While demand is increasing for DaaS, customers want certain things from their solutions. For instance, security, compliance, and ease of integration are at the forefront, according to Paul. “Customers want seamless access to Microsoft 365, robust identity management through platforms like Microsoft Entra ID, and straightforward per-user pricing,” he says.
“Sustainability is also influencing decisions, with DaaS enabling the use of older devices through thin-client models.”
For resellers, there are a range of software and services that should go into a solution. “An ideal DaaS solution for the UK market should be built on a secure cloud platform, such as Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop, offer integration with Microsoft Entra ID, and support standard operating systems across desktops and mobile devices,” says Paul.
“Security features like MFA, conditional access and encryption should be included, along with UK-based hosting, to meet data sovereignty requirements. A DaaS offering aimed at SMBs should provide a fully managed service with 24/7/365 support to meet the demands of always-on business operations, especially given that many smaller organisations lack dedicated IT teams to respond to issues promptly.”
Mike adds that a DaaS service also needs to be thoroughly tried and tested. “It’s not a service that many partners could set up and operate on their own,” he adds. “It really makes sense to use a pre-defined service that is offered by a specialist provider. These solutions are completely set up and ready-to-deploy, without partners needing to incur any additional costs or having to employ specialist personnel.
“We have ready-to-deploy managed services for endpoint security, antivirus, backup and RMM, and partners can offer these alongside a pre-defined service. This makes it much easier for them to provide a complete set of managed services for their SMB customers – without the hassle of setting it all up.”
Highlights
When talking to customers about potential DaaS solutions, there are various things that resellers should highlight. “SMBs tend to be risk-averse when it comes to IT choices, and partners need to focus on the reliability and credibility of the services that they are offering,” notes Mike.
“Both the partner and the SMB need to know that they can depend on the service being provided. They need to know that their supplier has the capability and the experience to support their everyday operations.”
Paul adds that resellers should highlight DaaS’s ability to simplify operations, scale effortlessly, strengthen security and offer predictable monthly costs. “It enables SMBs to support hybrid working, enhance business continuity, and achieve compliance with UK GDPR and sector-specific regulations, all challenges that are often difficult to manage internally due to limited IT capacity,” he adds.
Future
It is expected that DaaS will continue to grow in the coming years. “DaaS adoption is likely to continue rising as SMBs embrace digital transformation,” says Paul.
“While VPNs and on-premises VDI remain options, they come with greater overhead and complexity. DaaS offers a more streamlined, future-proof approach for most SMBs.”
