Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a cloud delivery model that provides virtual desktops and applications through a secure, hosted platform. Instead of managing on-prem VDI or physical PCs, users access Windows or Linux desktops from any device while performance, updates, and security are handled in the cloud. If you’re asking what is Desktop as a Service (DaaS), think of it as desktop computing you subscribe to—not own.
In simple terms, DaaS centralizes compute, storage, identity, and policy so IT can deploy, patch, and protect at scale while people work from anywhere. We often see leaders choose DaaS for hybrid work, seasonal staffing, M&A, and high-security use cases where data must stay in the data center or cloud, not on endpoints.
Key advantages include:
- Agility: Provision desktops on demand; scale up or down quickly.
- Security: Keep data in the cloud; enforce zero-trust controls.
- Cost Control: Shift CAPEX to OPEX; extend device lifecycles.
- User Experience: Consistent performance across devices and locations.
Our take? DaaS turns device management into a service—reducing risk and speeding delivery without sacrificing control.
Want the practical path forward? Explore our full Desktop as a Service (DaaS) Guide or learn security expectations for remote work in our blog Why WFH Security Comes Before Customer Experiences. For real-world tradeoffs and savings, listen to DaaS vs. Buying Computers: The $100,000 Mistake You’re Making and The IT Cheat Code You Didn’t Know You Needed. To operationalize it across your workforce, explore the whitepaper Remote Working and Your Business: The Tool You Need to Have.
