Hosted Desktops
Hosted Desktops, also referred to as Virtual Desktops or DVIs, are a unified solution, built to give end-users a restriction-free experience. All emails, files and on-premise applications are available to use on any device through an internet connection, making the solution extremely versatile for users whether they are office-based or work remotely/on-the-go.
A Hosted Desktop is designed to look and operate as a normal desktop, giving a familiar look and feel to the user experience. While MSPs are not a necessity to running Hosted Desktops, it takes the stress of day-to-day tasks from IT Managers – like new user set-ups, security patches and updates – freeing their time up to deal with more strategic IT. Because of the complexity involved with implementation, Hosted Desktops are often outsourced to a Managed Service Provider (MSP). This often gives many compliance benefits too, as hosting is often ISO 27001 accredited and security patches and updates are carried out automatically and routinely.
While useful for many, Hosted Desktops provide little benefit to companies who base most of their operations from SaaS-based applications, as Hosted Desktops focus solely on on-premise applications.
Desktop 365
The major difference
If you’re a Hosted Desktop user, you’ll have experienced the
flexibility and security they bring to on-premise files and applications.
Desktop 365 combines the benefits of Hosted Desktops with all applications – not just on-premise – in a single view so you
have access to everything you need through single sign-on.
Single sign-on
When using Desktop 365, you only need to sign in once to access all areas of your work. A normal username and password, plus an extra layer of security in the form of two-factor authentication allows you access all of your files and on-premise applications – much like a Hosted Desktop – but also any SaaS applications and SaaS file storage applications. Desktop 365 incorporates these applications on their home desktop – and removes the need to sign in to each one individually after.
Advanced User Access Management
Administrators can grant individuals in the organisation access to specific programs and applications. Your desktop can be personalised to show the apps that you have access to. Conversely, access can be prohibited from specific applications that you would not need access to. For instance, only the Finance department would need access to payroll applications like Sage, and so only their desktop would hold access to it.
Extra benefits
Predictive analysis
For an extra layer of security, Desktop 365 will record all user habits. For example, if you log in from London on a daily basis, Desktop 365 will record this information. Then, if you log in from China on day, this is flagged to your IT department or Manager and your access is blocked. This is to prevent data loss in the case of someone hacking your desktop. Access can be reinstated if you can verify you logged in from a remote location.
Advanced search
Since your entire desktop is shown in one window, you are able to search for a file, folder or application through one search bar. It acts the same as if it were going through your desktop on a regular computer, only on a much larger and sophisticated scale – it searches your desktop, company shared drive and Dropbox (if you have given permission for it to do so). This is available for all employees in an organisation and will still restrict access to forbidden files.
If you still have question about how Desktop 365 could change your business specifically, get in touch!
Get in touch!
We’ve helped our customers transform their IT model.
If you’re unsure about how Desktop 365 can help transform your IT get in touch today via email or just call us.
