/ Glossary / What Is a Managed Desktop Solution?

What is a managed desktop solution?

Deployed via a desktops as a service (DaaS) provider, a managed desktop solution allows an organization to deliver virtual apps and desktops from the cloud to any end-user device or location without worrying about virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) deployment or management. By implementing a managed desktop solution, IT teams can quickly launch apps and desktops from a single web-native management console while the DaaS provider handles virtual desktop delivery and management functions.

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How does a managed desktop solution work?

Offered as a tiered DaaS subscription model, a managed desktop solution is delivered via public or private cloud service provider and maintained by a DaaS provider. With a managed desktop solution, the backend VDI—including all virtual machines (VMs) that run desktop operating systems (OS)—is hosted by a third-party cloud service provider. The DaaS provider then manages VDI deployment to end-user devices, as well as maintenance, security, patches, upgrades, data backup, and storage.

Managed desktop solutions give organizations the flexibility to easily deliver virtual applications and desktops, as well as decide which end users can access these corporate resources and when. They also ensure IT teams can quickly and easily deliver the tools remote workforces need to complete their jobs from anywhere while using any device. With a managed desktop solution, remote employees can easily access virtual apps and desktops via a web- or application-based interface using any web-ready device.

Managed desktop solutions are dependable and easy to deploy, which makes them a simple way to enhance the work experience for your remote employees and minimize strain on IT.

Why use a managed desktop solution?

There are many reasons why your organization should consider deploying a managed desktop service. For example, implementing managed desktops allows IT teams to expand your organization’s remote workforce quickly and easily—which is more important than ever as employees now expect a remote or hybrid work environment. Below, we will break down several other impactful benefits of a managed desktop solution:

Top IT benefits of managed desktop

Provide high levels of security

Security is a major concern for any organization, especially as more employees go remote. Fortunately, with a managed desktop service, sensitive files, data, apps, and passwords are securely stored in the cloud rather than on individual devices. Plus, your DaaS provider will work to ensure that your security systems are always up to date. 

Support bring your own device (BYOD) programs

While more employees than ever desire the ability to work remotely, they also desire the ability to use their own devices. Robust managed desktop solutions are compatible with most modern machines, allowing easy access for employees to work on devices they are comfortable with. IT does not have to deploy expensive, company-owned machines.  

Free up IT

Managed desktops take away a big chunk of work from the IT department, as this cloud-based infrastructure is maintained and updated by the DaaS provider. With a managed desktop solution, downtime is minimized and help desk calls are considerably lowered, as resource demand does not overstress end user devices.

Support temporary workers

With the simple deployment of managed desktops, IT can get temporary workers set up in relatively little time—saving hours of labor. And, IT will have full control to give your temporary employees access to only the resources they need to work.

Top business benefits of managed desktops

Help your organization grow

Managed desktops on a highly agile cloud infrastructure can support organizational growth, as a company does not need to invest in expanding their on-premises infrastructure. Plus, IT saves hours on setting up individual devices for new staff members, allowing the department to concentrate on other vital parts of the business.  

Support bring your own device (BYOD) programs

While more employees than ever desire the ability to work remotely, they also desire the ability to use their own devices. Robust managed desktop solutions are compatible with most modern machines, allowing easy access for employees to work on devices they are comfortable with. IT does not have to deploy expensive, company-owned machines.  

Free up IT

Managed desktops take away a big chunk of work from the IT department, as this cloud-based infrastructure is maintained and updated by the DaaS provider. With a managed desktop solution, downtime is minimized and help desk calls are considerably lowered, as resource demand does not overstress end user devices.

Support temporary workers

With the simple deployment of managed desktops, IT can get temporary workers set up in relatively little time—saving hours of labor. And, IT will have full control to give your temporary employees access to only the resources they need to work.

Citrix solutions for managed desktops

Citrix managed desktop solutions allow organizations to meet the ever-changing needs of the modern hybrid workforce, without adding IT complexity or sacrificing security. Spin up fully managed apps and desktops in minutes using Citrix DaaS for Azure (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops Standard for Azure), and then close them down at any time. This turnkey DaaS solution ensures you pay only for what you use, without having to invest in expensive hardware that sits idle during down times.