/ Glossary / What is Hosted Desktop?

What is a hosted desktop?

A hosted desktop is a client-user environment in which a desktop computer (also called a thick client) accesses data on a remote server using virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). A hosted desktop can operate independently, running its own operating system and applications, while others are managed from the server.

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What are the benefits of hosted desktops?

Hosted desktops allow companies to run virtual machines on desktop computers. Since applications and data stay in the data center, there are several security and control benefits.

  • Simple access: Staff can access all they need in a centralized server.
  • Streamlined IT management: With hosted desktops, everything is managed in one central location. New applications can be added to the central desktop instead of needing to be installed on each new device.
  • Greater control: Since servers for virtual desktop infrastructure are usually located on-premises, they give IT more control over corporate data.
  • Scalability: Hosted desktops can help make businesses more agile by making it easier to expand capacity with more virtual machines.

What are some use cases for hosted desktops?

Some the most common use cases for hosted desktops include:

  • BYOD workplaces: Organizations have historically preferred that employees use specific devices, such as company-owned laptops, to prevent security risks. But as more companies move toward Bring your Own Device (BYOD) policies in the era of hybrid work, many are turning to hosted desktops to provide secure access at the application level.
  • Call centers: Call centers have many workers using the same tools, though they may frequently change workstations. With hosted desktops, agents can access all the information and tools they need in a central system regardless of workstation. This helps make the call center more efficient.
  • Third-party vendors and contractors: Companies that outsource projects usually have two choices: provide each individual with a company laptop, or manage multiple environments across contractors. A hosted desktop allows contractors to securely access the company’s system from their own devices.
  • Graphics-intensive workplaces: Companies that use graphic-intensive applications consume a lot of computing power, which is expensive and puts pressure on business systems. Hosted desktops offer the virtualization needed to easily share data while enhancing the performance power of these apps.

Hosted desktops vs cloud desktops

While hosted desktops offer many benefits, there are limitations. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is usually on premises, which requires investments in hardware and infrastructure. In addition, more specialized IT management is required. IT has to manage all permissions, security, and collaboration for every user. Hosted desktops also are limited when it comes to mobile devices. A hosted desktop may not display properly on the small mobile screen, or it may appear distorted.

A cloud desktop is a virtual desktop that’s hosted in a cloud environment. In this setup, the hardware is simply a means of accessing a cloud-based server for all requirements. Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is the term used to describe these cloud desktop services.

With the growing popularity of the cloud, more companies are adopting cloud desktop models. With VDI, the client needs to invest in the network, computer infrastructure, and storage. In contrast, cloud service providers handle the infrastructure and management costs for DaaS. The backend of the VDI is hosted by a third-party cloud provider, while the DaaS provider streams the desktops to the end-user devices.

Hosted desktop pros

  • More control over hardware, software, and data: Since the network is hosted on-premises, the company has almost full control over the data and infrastructure.
  • Protection of data: Some government regulations require data to be stored on an organization’s physical premises; VDI helps organizations comply.

Hosted desktop cons

  • Specialized management: The need for more on-site IT staff increases overhead costs.
  • High infrastructure costs: The company needs to invest in installing hardware and software architecture to support desktop virtualization.

DaaS pros

  • Anytime, anywhere access: DaaS allows users to securely access applications and data from anywhere.
  • Ease of use: DaaS has built-in end-user functionality, which makes it easy to customize for the user.
  • Increased productivity: Allowing employees to access the system remotely helps increase remote worker productivity. They can keep up with projects and maintain the pace of work.
  • Reduced costs: DaaS doesn’t require extra hardware, which saves maintenance and infrastructure costs. It also eliminates the need to purchase a software license for each device. And since cloud services are generally billed on a subscription basis, it helps keep costs under control.
  • No specialized management: DaaS is easy to manage because most network responsibilities are outsourced. IT managers are free to focus on the core business.
  • Scalability: It’s easier and less expensive to add a new user or application to a DaaS platform than to add a new virtual machine.

DaaS cons

  • Connectivity issues: As with any cloud service, reliability depends on strong connectivity. However, all major cloud providers have a 99.99+% uptime rate.

Why use both hosted desktops and cloud desktops?

Many businesses are using a hybrid of both hosted and cloud desktops. 

Cloud solutions offer better flexibility and scalability, especially for companies with fluctuating demand like seasonal peaks. Cloud desktops also offer faster disaster recovery, since everything is stored in the cloud, it is easy to access and restore services after a disaster. In most cases, recovering from a disaster can take minutes or hours instead of days. 

For those in regulated industries, like healthcare or finance, maintaining some on-premises servers to store user data is necessary to comply with data privacy rules. With Citrix, IT departments can create a hybrid environment that takes advantage of everything that cloud and on premises solutions have to offer.

Citrix solutions for cloud and hosted desktops

Companies have learned that operations cannot stop when employees aren’t able to come to the office. Similarly, people expect to access their work remotely from any device and location. Citrix app and desktop virtualization solutions offer an affordable, fast, and secure virtualization solution both on premises and in the cloud. Companies that want both the security and control that VDI offers but the scalability and power of the cloud can have both with Citrix.