Top 5 Things To Look For In A Virtual Desktop Provider

If you are looking to switch your company to virtual desktops, you have already made a great decision. Virtual desktops are more secure, affordable, and allow your employees to work from wherever they are on whatever device they prefer. However, now you have to make the difficult decision of choosing the right provider.

Here are the top five things to look for in your virtual desktop provider.

1. What Technology Does the Provider Use?

What cloud server will your data be on? What technology is the provider going to use to support your virtual desktops? Make sure that they are using a technology you are comfortable with.

One thing to watch for is proprietary solutions such as Amazon WorkSpaces or Workspot. If you decide you don't like your provider, then migrating may prove difficult. If your problem is with the solution, not the vendor, then you will have to start over.

Instead, choose a provider that uses a common software, whether it's Citrix based or Azure. Azure has the advantage of being fully integrated with Windows and supporting hybrid solutions as well as virtual desktop. If you use Windows, then an Azure-based solution will look just like native desktops.

Also make sure that the solution offers 1:many instances, which uses fewer system resources and costs much less.

2. Does the Provider Have a Proven Track Record With Security and Compliance?

DaaS is often more secure than on-site solutions, but it is only as secure as the provider you choose. Make sure that you choose an experienced vendor who has a good reputation and knows how to address the security issues related to cloud desktops.

A good part of the point of going with DaaS is to reduce your own IT burdens. Make sure that your chosen vendor takes on and handles the security, instead of pushing it off on you.

Also make sure that they have experience in your industry, especially if you are in a highly regulated industry such as healthcare. Make sure that your vendor can handle all compliance issues that are likely to arise, so you are not left on the hook for their mistakes or inexperience.

3. How Regularly Is Data Backed Up?

Always ask how often they back data up. The correct answer is that they have an automatic backup plan and at least a monthly backup on the cloud. Also ask where their data centers are. Data should be backed up in at least two different locations to protect it from a catastrophic event such as a fire, flood, or major storm.

Also, ask them how they restore data if there is a glitch. You should not have to be involved in any restoration, nor should they be asking you for copies of files.

4. Do They Offer Solid End-To-End Support?

Again, a huge part of the point of DaaS is that you don't have to worry about it. Make sure that the vendor you choose offers technical support that covers onboarding and all maintenance. Ask about their server uptime record.

They should be willing and able to provide user level support for everything related to the virtual desktop infrastructure and should also be able to integrate all of your applications into the environment, even unusual or proprietary apps that they might not have encountered before.

5. Do They Have Pricing Plans to Fit Your Needs?

Finally, do they have flexible pricing plans that you can afford? Does the price scale well as your company grows? You might find a provider that has your dream features, but they charge "enterprise" level pricing that is beyond the current reach of your business (or simply more than you want to pay). At the same time, be suspicious of extremely cheap vendors, who are probably cutting corners.

DesktopReady offers all of these things. With 24/7 support, experience with security and compliance, automated backups, and more, we have the perfect desktop solutions for your business. Contact us to find out more and schedule a consultation.