VDI vs DaaS: 3 Key Differences

When it comes to have a secure environment that allows you to work from anywhere, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is the preferred choice, while in the past couple of years Desktop as a Service (DaaS) has gained a lot of popularity. Both technologies enable you to deploy virtual machines (VMs) as an on-premise or cloud resource. But with DaaS, you get the same capability as a managed service offered by cloud vendors. Is it the only difference? No there are many differences between the two.

VDI was developed for virtual machines and many professionals are using that. In this, the user gets access to a desktop via virtual machines (VMs) hosted on-premises or in the cloud. The virtual desktops are managed from a central server and deployed to user clients.

On the other hand, DaaS is similar to VDI but the cloud vendor manages the service. Unlike VDI, in DaaS, virtual desktops are hosted on managed cloud infrastructure. The end-user or client get access to the desktop remotely.

Though the end-user gets almost similar service and results, but both technologies have their own set of benefits and challenges.

3 Key Differences between VDI and DaaS

Platform – With VDI deployments, you are responsible to manage the service – installation, maintenance, etc. If you have hosted on-premises, then maintaining and housing hardware in addition to virtual machines. If hosted on the cloud, then the host provider maintains and may manage infrastructure for you.

When you choose DaaS, then the service provider is responsible for deployments, maintenance or management. They will take care of hardware, upgrades, availability, and troubleshooting.

Single-tenant vs multi-tenant – VDI deployed on a dedicated resource for the organization or user. Meaning, you get complete control over the resource to configure and distribute. While with DaaS, the services are based on multi-tenant models. This means, your service is hosted on a shared data center. Other organizations are also using the same resource. Each client gets an isolated service and can only access services available to that organization. But this increases the security risk if any of the shared client’s service is compromised.

Cost – CapEx required when you plan to deploy VDI, you need to purchase or upgrade if required, servers and data centres. It's a one-time investment, later-on you don’t need to pay for the ongoing subscription cost. The upfront investment is often cheaper than DaaS for enterprises.

When you deploy DaaS it requires almost no CapEx, instead incurring ongoing subscription costs. DaaS model is easier to scale and you would pay only for the resources you are using. SMBs with fluctuating requirements or organization anticipating growth, the DaaS model is a better choice.