10 BEST Desktop as a Service (DaaS) Solution Providers 2024

Compare and review the top Desktop as a Service Providers including top features to select the best Desktop as a Service Solution as per your requirements:

Cloud computing is dominating the corporate world right now. It serves as an effective and desirable alternative to previously compulsory servers and has been instrumental in turning physical infrastructure into cloud-based services.

An integral aspect of this trend has been DaaS, also known as – Desktop as a Service.

DaaS is a software technology that involves virtual desktops delivered by a service provider over the internet on a per-user subscription-based fee. The service provider that offers virtual desktops is typically responsible for the backend management of their solutions. This involves maintenance, backup, storage, and handling the security of your data.

Desktop as a Service (DaaS) Solutions – Review

This subscription-based service can either be accessed via a web browser or with the help of a downloaded application. The primary reason why DaaS solutions are becoming so popular today is because of their ability to facilitate seamless remote work.

DaaS technology can be leveraged from any device, be it mobile or computer, thus providing end users with the flexibility they need to enable work on their personal devices from anywhere they like.

In this article, we’ve listed down the top solutions that are some of the best DaaS solutions that one can use.

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So, without much further ado, let’s get started. But first! Let’s look at what the current market trends have to say about the fervor surrounding DaaS solutions.

How DaaS Works

The mechanism behind DaaS is very simple to understand. In a DaaS environment, the service provider will stream a virtual desktop to the end user while hosting the infrastructure, storage, and network resources on the cloud. As such, the end-user has access to the data and applications contained in the virtual desktop via their browser.

Simply put, the service provider manages the back-end storage, maintenance, security, and costs associated with the DaaS model. The end user, on the other hand, only has to manage the images, security, and applications available to them on the virtual desktop.

List of the Best Desktop as a Service Solutions

Some remarkably profitable DaaS platforms list:

1. Venn (Recommended)
2. AWS
3. Anunta
4. Citrix
5. Itopia
6. Microsoft
7. NetApp
8. Nutanix
9. Tehama
10. VMware

Comparing Some of the Top Desktop as a Service Providers

Detailed review:

#1) Venn (Recommended)

Best for securing data and SaaS applications.

Venn is different than any other solution you might see on this list as it’s not really DaaS but rather an evolution of DaaS. DaaS was designed to give access to remote applications securely but was not designed to support remote work at scale on BYO computers. Venn was designed specifically for that.

Venn is a secure workspace for remote work that isolates and protects work from anything else on the same computer (either Windows or Mac). It serves as a logical extension of your perimeter to the employee device and allows your employees to use their computers the way they’re used to.

Since everything is done locally there are no annoying lags when using video conferencing and employee productivity stays very high.

There’s no backend that needs to be set up and maintained, making IT support very easy. And most importantly, it allows you to implement BYO programs in your organization saving a lot of money and effort. Supporting individual workers and 3^rd party contractors becomes an easy button.

The data-protecting capabilities are why it occupies the top spot on this list. The Venn secure enclave makes it much easier to protect sensitive company data and applications as the attack surface of the enclave is much smaller and easier to protect than the entire device.

To a large extent, Venn solves the “last mile” problem for SASE/VPNs and for Zero-trust frameworks, which leave the employee device as the “leaky edge” of the perimeter.

Venn can protect sensitive company data from possible malware infections and other such types of security threats. At the same time, companies can apply security policies that prevent accidental or malicious data leakage from the enclave.

Another area where it excels is in maintaining privacy. It shifts personal computing from those related to work, thus ensuring that none of the employee’s non-work related activity on their personal devices is monitored.

Features:

• BYOD Environment Protection.
• Fully local, with no lags or latency.
• Protect the data, not the device.
• Audit-ready reporting.
• Integrates with many apps and tools seamlessly.

Pros:

• The ideal tool for enabling remote work on BYO computers.
• Easily enable contractors and 3^rd party computers.
• The best user experience. Employees will embrace this with both hands.
• Solves the “last mile” security problem for SASE/VPN and zero-trust.

Cons:

• Venn runs locally on the employee device. If the main use case is giving access to applications that cannot run on the endpoint device, you should probably use a more traditional DaaS.

Public Cloud Compatibility: Supports hybrid work environments

Verdict: Venn makes for a fascinating evolution of DaaS that best caters to the requirements of regulated industries and firms who wish to fortify their security, especially in a BYOD environment or supporting contractor devices.

Venn should be at the top of your list if you wish to create a formidable security perimeter around your workforce’s data and applications while keeping employees both productive and happy.

#2) Amazon WorkSpaces

Best for delivering an optimal remote work environment.

Amazon WorkSpaces is one of Amazon Web Service’s most compelling offerings. With this, you basically have a cloud-based DaaS platform that can create a personalized optimal remote work environment for every single employee. Amazon WorkSpaces allows companies to integrate their existing licenses with the cloud platform.

Users can also get the privilege of buying new licenses directly from the AWS marketplace if they wish. Amazon WorkSpaces also excels with regard to the security features being offered. With it, you can make use of multiple security measures like encrypting data or implementing multi-factor authentication to protect sensitive work-related information.

Features:

• Bring your own license privilege.
• RADIUS integration.
• Active directory.
• Allows users to bring their own SAML 2.0 Identity to verify the end user.

Pros:

• Allows you to leverage streaming protocols to provide users with a high-quality experience.
• Provisioning desktops with Amazon WorkSpaces is very simple.
• Can be accessed via mobile, desktop, and web.
• Flexible pricing.

Cons:

• Some customers have complained about system lags during prime time.

Public Cloud Compatibility: Amazon Web Services

Verdict: With persistent storage options bolstered by flexible pricing and multiple security features, Amazon WorkSpaces is a platform we have no qualms recommending to organizations who wish to create a secure and robust remote work environment that benefits both them and their employees.

Website: Amazon WorkSpaces

#3) Anunta

Best for enterprise-grade security.

Anunta provides you with a cloud-based, fully managed DaaS platform that is powered by enterprise-grade security. As a leading DaaS solutions provider, the company has deployed over 500,000 remote desktops.

They also specialize in delivering a fully functional and managed Windows 10-based cloud desktop that is purpose-built on a high-performing and excellent Azure Cloud.

Anunta also excels at creating an efficient and secure digital workspace. Authorized employees get the privilege of accessing data from anywhere, anytime they wish.

Besides DaaS deployment, Anunta also excels at rendering impressive cloud transformation services and has helped numerous companies adopt cloud technologies in a bid to acquire an enhanced user experience.

Features:

• Fully Managed Enterprise DaaS.
• Network Virtualization.
• Facilitate a secure remote work environment.
• Assist with cloud transformation.

Pros:

• Enterprise-grade security.
• Virtual desktop fully managed and maintained by experts.
• Seamless user onboarding.
• Full assistance in managing Virtual Desktops based on Azure, VMWare, and Citrix.

Cons:

• The suite of products they offer can overwhelm users’ novices to the concept of DaaS.

Public Cloud Compatibility: Azure

Verdict: Anunta has been a key player in the DaaS industry for almost a decade now. During that period it established itself as one of the finest managed Desktops as a Service Provider in the world. It is this global reverence that earns it a coveted position so high on this list.

Website: Anunta

#4) Citrix

Best for simplified IT management and security.

Citrix arms its users with a high-performing workspace that can be deployed in minutes. Citrix benefits from using Azure as a platform to render its services, which involves providing its clients with virtual desktops in a bid to simplify their IT-related tasks.

The best aspect of Citrix is the fact that it provides users with multiple access options. The platform can be accessed either via the workspace app or directly over the web. The security options offered by Citrix are also top-notch. It allows you to protect your data by enforcing app protection policies, adaptive authentication, and session watermarking techniques.

Features:

• Secure storage of imperative data.
• Multiple access options.
• Leverage the services of cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft, Google Cloud, etc.
• Seamless desktop and app virtualization.

Pros:

• Highly scalable.
• Flexible and easy to deploy.
• Simplified pricing.

Cons:

• Relatively more expensive with larger implementation requirements.

Public Cloud Compatibility: Azure

Verdict: If a seamless hybrid work environment bolstered by user-friendly connectivity and robust security is what you seek, then Citrix’s DaaS platform is something you’ll adore.

Website: Citrix

#5) Itopia

Best for virtual online learning.

Itopia is a different beast altogether when it comes to DaaS platforms. This one caters more to the requirements of the education industry, which is experiencing rapid digitization as we speak. This platform allows you to stream any educational desktop application to students via their browsers from anywhere in the world.

The platform basically allows educators to leverage GPU-powered apps like Adobe Premiere pro to give lessons to their students over the internet without interruption.

The platform integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace and Office 365 to enable Single Sign On access, thus providing students with secure access to educational content being streamed on their browser.

Features:

• Allows educators to stream popular CTE apps over the internet from anywhere.
• Integrate with Google Workspace and Office 365.
• High-resolution streaming.
• Works with multiple different browsers.

Pros:

• Highly scalable.
• Centralized dashboard.
• Runs pre-configured apps without lag.
• Flexible and predictable pricing.

Cons:

• Application restricted to the education sector.

Public Cloud Compatibility: Google Cloud

Verdict: Itopia is a DaaS solution that educators who wish to stream high-resolution educational content to their students over the internet on any browser need. It is compatible with the most high-profile CTE apps and facilitates frictionless deployment of virtual cloud labs with the utmost priority given to both maintenance and security.

Website: Itopia

#6) Microsoft Azure

Best for Virtual Desktop Solution fully optimized for Windows 11.

With Microsoft Azure, you basically get a virtual desktop solution that is fully optimized for both Windows 11 and Microsoft 365. It primarily makes it to my list because of the built-in intelligent security it comes pre-equipped with, which makes secure remote work possible.

This solution can proactively detect and eliminate threats, thus keeping your data and applications protected.

Another thing about Microsoft Azure is its remote app streaming capabilities. This feature basically allows you to run your app on Azure and stream it in high resolution to any device remotely, from anywhere in the world.

Features:

• Windows 11 Personalized desktops.
• VMWare and Citrix Integration.
• Remote App streaming.
• Allows use of existing licenses.

Public Cloud Compatibility: Azure

Verdict: Microsoft Azure enables the secure and fast deployment of virtual desktop solutions that allow you to access Windows 10 and 11 compatible applications remotely from anywhere. This is the perfect DaaS solution to have by your side to empower your BYOD environment.

Website: Microsoft Azure

#7) NetApp

Best for customizable DaaS solution.

NetApp is a DaaS service provider that you can approach for a DaaS platform that is customized and personalized to suit your specific business needs and requirements. It is excellent at helping you nurture a hybrid work environment.

The platform they develop works like a charm when it comes to letting you have complete control over your data. It particularly shines to protect sensitive data against security threats that are caused due to a hybrid work environment.

Features:

• Automated Workforce Deployment.
• Simplified User Management.
• Unify Applications Management.
• Open REST APIs and SaaS Utilization.

Public Cloud Compatibility: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud

Verdict: NetApp provides a DaaS solution that automatically allows you to deploy, manage, and optimize virtual desktops without any hassle. NetApp’s solution works well with your chosen cloud deployment strategy and excels with regard to the level of security it provides.

Website: NetApp

#8) Nutanix

Best for accelerated VDI deployment.

Nutanix DaaS solution assists in the deployment of complex virtual desktop solutions, thanks to its utilization of legacy-3 level datacenters.

Nutanix supports and facilitates the deployment of VDIs on both VMWare and Citrix. Nutanix is exceptional at delivering the user experience that your business demands, especially to facilitate a remote work environment.

Features:

• App and data security.
• Enable hybrid cloud work environment.
• Enhance the power of business-critical applications.
• Single data migration to the cloud.

Public Cloud Compatibility: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud

Verdict: You can deem Nutanix’s hyper-converged infrastructure as a virtual desktop solution that excels with regard to its computing, storage, and security capabilities.

Website: Nutanix

#9) Tehama

Best for Endpoint Security Management.

Tehama is a DaaS solution that promises to uphold endpoint security in a flexible and cost-effective manner and mostly lives up to that promise. Tehama’s services are ideal for companies that have a workforce located across different parts of the world.

Tehama’s solution offers a suite of automated, monitoring, auditing, and management tools that make the deployment and control of VDI simple. It also helps you meet security requirements by helping you implement dynamic firewalls, policy-based access controls, and zero-trust access controls.

Features:

• Multi-factor authentication.
• Privileged access management.
• Zero-Trust Network Access.
• Regulatory compliance and auditing.

Public Cloud Compatibility: Can fulfill hybrid workforce needs in a cloud-based environment

Verdict: Tehama makes it to my list because of its diverse capabilities and robust security features. They offer a solution that can help you deploy over 1000 virtual desktops around the globe in a matter of seconds while adhering to local compliance regulations.

Website: Tehama

#10) VMWare

Best for Centralized User Management.

VMWare enables organizations to establish a remote work environment by helping them deliver Windows-based applications and desktops as a cloud service on any device from anywhere. It arms users with a single management console, which can manage multiple different workspaces virtually.

The platform can create and manage a plethora of virtual desktops in the cloud. It also facilitates the migration of applications to the cloud, thanks to the built-in automation that VMWare’s DaaS solution comes pre-equipped with.

Features:

• Manage Windows Desktops and Hosted apps from a single console.
• Unlimited scalability across varying geographical locations.
• Self-service provisioning.
• Built-in automation.

Public Cloud Compatibility: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud

Verdict: VMWare allows an organization to provide multiple users with a secure DaaS environment. It empowers you to deploy virtual desktops across public, private, and hybrid cloud environments.

FAQs on DaaS Platforms

Conclusion

It was the pandemic and the rising popularity of remote work that first bought DaaS into prominence. Now that the crisis is behind it, many organizations are still relying on DaaS to support and promote a secure BYOD environment.

Experts already estimated it that a majority of organizations will soon come to rely on Desktop as a Service solutions to provide their employees with digital resources.

All the above-recommended DaaS solutions and services providers have been instrumental in developing and nurturing a virtual workspace that doesn’t compromise security.

As for my personal recommendations on Desktop as a Service Providers, we would suggest you give Venn or AWS a shot simply because of how seamless they are in their ability to deploy and manage virtual desktops.

Research Process:

• We spent 11 hours researching and writing this article so you can have summarized and insightful information on which DaaS solution will best suit you.
• Total Desktop as a Service Solutions Researched: 25
• Total Desktop as a Service Providers Shortlisted: 10