Deciding whether virtual desktops make sense for SMEs is a decision with many facets. On the positive side, it opens up a world of possibilities. On the other hand, different security requirements, compatibility questions and costs have to be considered. A balanced look at both aspects helps you make well-founded decisions that meet the specific needs of your company.
What is a virtual desktop?
A virtual desktop is a technology-based solution that allows users to access their desktop environment via the internet. The entire user interface, including applications and data, is provided on a central server instead of running locally on the user’s computer. With a virtual desktop, employees can reach their familiar working environment from various devices, such as laptops, tablets or smartphones.
Benefits of a virtual desktop
A virtual desktop offers small businesses an attractive way to optimise their IT infrastructure easily. Many small businesses shy away from the effort involved in setting up and maintaining local IT systems. This is where the virtual desktop comes in:
- Cost efficiency: Using a virtual desktop eliminates the need for high investment in expensive hardware. Instead, companies can access powerful servers in the cloud and plan their IT costs better, as they only pay for the resources they use.
- Easy administration: Central administration enables the IT department to manage all desktop environments efficiently. Software updates and security measures can be carried out easily and quickly from one central point. This reduces the effort for IT support and ensures that employees can always use the latest versions of applications.
- Flexibility and mobility: Employees can work from different locations and devices. This is particularly beneficial for small business owners whose employees often work from home or on the move.
- Security: Data security is of great importance, especially for small businesses, which often have fewer resources available. With a virtual desktop, sensitive information is stored on secure servers and protected by regular backups and security protocols. This minimises the risk of data loss.
- Scalability: Virtual desktop infrastructure can easily be adapted to a company’s changing needs. When the company grows and hires additional employees, the virtual desktop can be expanded quickly and easily without having to purchase new hardware.
- Managed service from IT partners: Probably the best thing about the whole story is that the virtual workplace can be ideally looked after by external partners, so smaller companies in particular can get rid of a large part of their IT management in one go.
Challenges of a virtual desktop
For smaller companies in particular, there are a few stumbling blocks to overcome.
- Initial effort: Setting up a virtual desktop can be complex. Small businesses with limited IT resources need to ensure that their existing systems are integrated smoothly, which takes time and know-how.
- Ongoing costs: Although acquisition costs may fall, ongoing costs can become a challenge.
- Internet dependency: Stable internet access is crucial. In regions with unreliable connections, employees could have difficulty accessing their applications, which can affect productivity.
- Employee training: Employees may need to get used to the new technology.
- Increased infrastructure complexity: Introducing a virtual desktop can make the IT infrastructure more complicated. Companies need to ensure that all systems and applications are well coordinated, which can place additional demands on IT monitoring and maintenance.
- Security concerns: Some companies are afraid of handing over control of sensitive data to external providers. A thorough review of the provider’s security measures is therefore essential.
Potential for small businesses
For small businesses, opting for a virtual desktop can feel like jumping into cold water: a little unfamiliar at first, but very refreshing! With less hardware in the office, it opens up the freedom to work from anywhere – whether from your home office, a café or even your own sofa while dog-sitting.
But beware: setting it up and running it can be tricky and requires time and know-how. This is where an external partner who supports you with virtualisation is advisable, so the topic doesn’t become a test of patience.
This is where we come in: as a partner, we support you with all these challenges and make sure you can make the most of the benefits of a virtual desktop.
