What is the difference between VDI (Virtual Desktop) and DaaS? Explanation of features and merits

Do you know the difference between VDI and DaaS? VDI and DaaS are very similar services, so many people may not know how to distinguish them. There is a clear difference between VDI and DaaS, and that is where the construction environment is located. VDI is built on a company’s own server, while DaaS is built on the cloud. Therefore, even if the things you can do are similar, they are completely different and the things that are possible are also different.

In this article, we will explain the features and merits of VDI and DaaS.

目次

What is VDI (Virtual Desktop)?

  Merits of VDI

  ➤Cost reduction
  ➤Customizability
  ➤Strengthened security

 -Demerits of VDI

  ➤High initial costs

  ➤Requires system personnel

  ➤Takes time to scale up

What is DaaS?

 -Merits of DaaS

  ➤No server management required

  ➤No device restrictions

  ➤Easy to scale up

 -Demerits of DaaS

  ➤Depends on internet environment

  ➤Running costs incurred

Difference between VDI (Virtual Desktop) and DaaS

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What is VDI (Virtual Desktop)?

VDI refers to the technology of building and virtualizing a desktop environment on a server, and is also called desktop virtualization or virtual desktop. Also, a desktop environment built and virtualized on the cloud rather than on a server is called cloud virtual desktop or cloud VDI. By virtualizing the desktop environment, users can access the virtualized desktop environment from various terminals.

What is a virtual desktop?

Merits of VDI

We hereby introduce the merits of VDI.

Cost reduction

Customizability

Centralized data management

Cost reduction

The user’s computer will be remotely operated from a virtualized desktop on the server, so even if the computer has minimal specs, it will feel like they are using a high-spec PC. Therefore, when equipping employees with computers, as long as they have a device that can perform the minimum functions, they can work in the VDI desktop environment anywhere.

Customizability

Since it runs on your own server, you can customize it to suit your company. With cloud VDI and cloud virtual desktops, you cannot freely customize it because it depends on the cloud vendor’s environment.

Strengthened security

With VDI, users access a desktop environment that is virtualized on a server, so no data remains on the user’s computer, and there is little risk of information leakage. Also, even if the device breaks down or is lost, no data remains on the computer, so you can recover it by simply purchasing a new computer, and there is no risk of data corruption.

Demerits of VDI

High initial cost

Requires a system specialist

High impact in the event of a server failure

High initial cost

The initial cost is high because a server needs to be prepared. Furthermore, it is not the case that there will be no additional costs after just paying the initial cost. Server replacement is required about once every five years, and a server room is also required to manage the server, so a lot of costs are incurred for server management.

A system specialist is required

To operate a server, you need personnel who can manage the server. Hiring personnel will incur labor costs, which may result in expenses higher than expected. However, if you can hire personnel who can manage the server, it is certain that it will bring great merits as it will improve the company’s IT literacy and lead to improved business efficiency.

High impact in the event of a server failure

VDI centrally manages the desktop environment of multiple computers, so if the server stops due to some kind of malfunction, all work must be stopped.

What is DaaS?

DaaS is an abbreviation for Desktop as a Service, which refers to a cloud-based virtual desktop. DaaS is also called cloud virtual desktop or cloud VDI.

Unlike VDI, the feature of DaaS is that Daas is managed in a cloud vendor’s environment rather than on a company’s own server, so there is no need to prepare a server and operation is simple.

Merits of DaaS

The benefits of DaaS include the following:

No server management required

No device restrictions

Easy to scale up

No server management required

Unlike VDI, DaaS runs in a cloud environment, so there is no need to manage servers. Therefore, the barrier to implementation is low and anyone can easily implement it.

No device restrictions

DaaS is a system where you log in with an address and password, so you can basically connect to the DaaS environment from any device (PC or tablet). For example, if your child suddenly becomes ill and you have to take time off work, you can work from your computer at home or easily connect from a computer shared within the company, allowing for flexible working styles.

Easy to scale up

You can scale up immediately by contacting the cloud vendor. You can scale up without stopping your work, so you can prevent business interruptions.

Demerits of DaaS

The demerits of DaaS are as follows:

Depends on the Internet environment

Incurs running costs

Depends on the Internet environment

DaaS is a cloud service, so you cannot use it without an internet connection. It is difficult to use in environments where there is no internet connection, such as deep in the mountains or at sea. Therefore, before using DaaS, it is a good idea to check the state of your company’s internet environment before introducing it.

Running costs will be incurred.

DaaS is basically a system where you pay a monthly fee, so you incur running costs every month. However, the initial cost is significantly cheaper, so it can be introduced by a wide range of people. It is easier to set up a budget compared to a one-time purchase, but in the long run it can become a large expense, therefore it is a good idea to plan and sign a contract.

Differences between VDI (Virtual Desktop) and DaaS

The differences between VDI and DaaS are as follows.

 VDIDaaS
Construction locationIn-house serverCloud
Initial costExpensiveCheap
Payment methodOne-time purchase
(maintenance and operation costs incurred)
Subscription (monthly fee)
Multi-device supportNot supportedSupported
CustomizabilityExpensiveLow
SecurityCan be strengthened in-houseDepends on cloud vendor environment

If you use DaaS, use applippli DX Pro

As mentioned above, VDI and DaaS are different and have their own characteristics. By understanding these characteristics and merits and introducing them to your company, you may be able to solve your company’s problems, improve work efficiency, and increase productivity. Introduce VDI and DaaS, introduce teleworking and hybrid work, and realize work efficiency.

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