Gartner defines desktop as a service (DaaS) as the provision of virtual desktops by public cloud or other service providers. DaaS provides desktop or application end-user experiences from virtual machines (VMs) accessed using a remote display protocol. DaaS vendors incorporate a fully managed control plane service into their offerings, which facilitates user connections and provides a management interface. DaaS can be delivered preconfigured as a service. Alternatively, it can be delivered as a platform, in which case the client is responsible for assembly, configuration and management. DaaS is charged through subscription- or usage-based payment structures.
Citrix, a business unit of Cloud Software Group, provides a secure app and desktop delivery platform that companies of all sizes can use to enable secure flexible work. With Citrix, employees can work where and how they prefer, and IT can be confident their information and devices remain safe.
Amazon Web Services (AWS), established in 2006, is focused on providing essential infrastructure services to businesses globally in the form of cloud computing. The key advantage offered through cloud computing, particularly via AWS, is its capacity to shift fixed infrastructure expenses into flexible costs. Businesses have been able to forgo extensive planning and procurement of servers and other Information Technology (IT) resources, owing to AWS. AWS seeks to provide businesses with prompt and cost-effective access to resources using Amazon's expertise and economies of scale, as and when their business requires. Currently, AWS offers a robust, scalable, economic infrastructure platform on the cloud powering an extensive array of businesses worldwide. It operates across numerous industries with data center locations in various parts of the globe including U.S., Europe, Singapore, and Japan.
Microsoft enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Microsoft is dedicated to advancing human and organizational achievement.
Microsoft Security helps protect people and data against cyberthreats to give peace of mind.
Microsoft enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Microsoft is dedicated to advancing human and organizational achievement.
Microsoft Security helps protect people and data against cyberthreats to give peace of mind.
Amazon Web Services (AWS), established in 2006, is focused on providing essential infrastructure services to businesses globally in the form of cloud computing. The key advantage offered through cloud computing, particularly via AWS, is its capacity to shift fixed infrastructure expenses into flexible costs. Businesses have been able to forgo extensive planning and procurement of servers and other Information Technology (IT) resources, owing to AWS. AWS seeks to provide businesses with prompt and cost-effective access to resources using Amazon's expertise and economies of scale, as and when their business requires. Currently, AWS offers a robust, scalable, economic infrastructure platform on the cloud powering an extensive array of businesses worldwide. It operates across numerous industries with data center locations in various parts of the globe including U.S., Europe, Singapore, and Japan.
Omnissa operates as a digital work platform, originating as the VMware End-User Computing business. Its primary function is to streamline and simplify digital work environments for corporations and individuals, without the need for complicated IT processes. Omnissa's platform provides a digital employee experience, tailored and secure for every employee and accessible on any device. The platform brings together, automates, and scales the digital workspace, thereby aiding employees in their tasks regardless of location, contributing to business growth. The Omnissa™ Platform is both the first and an AI-driven digital work platform that provides seamless and safe work experiences from any location. It combines numerous top-tier solutions from Unified Endpoint Management, Virtual Desktops and Apps, to Digital Employee Experience, and finally, Security and Compliance. By constantly adapting to individual workstyles, Omnissa is the key to optimizing the user experience, security, IT operations, and costs.
Anunta is a Managed Desktop as a Service (DaaS) provider with a global focus. The core business pertains to the facilitation of Virtual Desktops and Digital Workspace technology.
Accops focuses primarily on providing secure and immediate remote accessibility to enterprise applications from any device and network. This is aimed towards ensuring enterprise mobility that meets compliance standards while retaining organisational governance. By delivering workspace virtualization, access gateway, and identity management solutions, the company strives to consolidate end-user applications and bring endpoint management into the datacentre. This approach aids in enhancing network security and lessening IT operational expenses. Accops offers a range of choices between virtualization and Zero Trust-based remote access. Both of these approaches can be deployed on-premises or on the cloud and are offered on perpetual and subscription license bases. Accops aims to build an integrated workspace that provides effortless access to a variety of applications and virtual desktops. Accops has been in operation since October 2012, with its headquarters located in Pune, India.
Apporto is a cloud-based virtual desktop provider that addresses the limitations of traditional cloud desktops, including restrictive operating systems and performance issues. Apporto's platform not only streamlines IT administrators' tasks - such as architecture, maintenance, alerting, and security tasks - but also allows for a customizable environment. This platform brings the functionality of virtual Mac and high-performance desktops, and operates on any device via a browser. Analytics integration, auto-scaling for peak demand, user-accessible features like storage and snapshots, are part of the offering. Additionally, Apporto handles aspects like patching, monitoring, security, backup, and built-in chat, sound, and video functions. Linux, Windows, and MacOS virtualization is also facilitated by the platform.
Leostream provides a comprehensive Remote Desktop Access Platform, aimed at creating a unified work-from-anywhere environment. The platform contains features that allow the management of users, cloud desktops, and IT assets from a single console, which enhances decision-making process by offering real-time visibility of environment details and use. The technology at Leostream continually evolves based on user feedback and advancements in the remote access field, to anticipate future needs and maintain readiness. The company is committed to helping organizations transition their workforce and harness the advantages of remote working. The organization also prioritizes fostering a corporate culture that values intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for learning highly.
The core focus of the company revolves around the development and provisioning of a diverse set of technological solutions comprising of personal systems, printers, and 3D printing offerings. These services and products are channeled towards stimulating innovation for meaningful contributions to humanity. The firm operates on the philosophy that impactful ideas can emerge from various individuals, locations, and moments, and that a single transformative idea holds the potential to revolutionise the world. It underpins every operational aspect, shaping their approach and dictating the purpose of their efforts.
Founded in 2009, Alibaba Cloud is a part of Alibaba Group that develops comprehensive cloud computing and data management services. These services aim to cater to the networking and information needs of diverse businesses, financial institutions, and governments among others. The solutions offered are flexible and cost-effective. In addition, Alibaba Cloud operates the network for Alibaba Group's extensive online and mobile commerce ecosystem. It also provides a wide range of cloud computing services to support sellers as well as third-party entities that partake in this ecosystem.
TruGrid SecureRDP enables secure, compliant, and low-latency Microsoft RDP connections. TruGrid simplifies and secures Microsoft RDS environments without VPNs or open firewall ports. It isolates RDP from direct internet exposure and eliminates the need for RD Gateway and other RDS complexities, reducing attack surfaces and administrative complexity. TruGrid optimizes RDP connections through a global fiber-optic mesh. Built-in multi-factor authentication and policy controls support cybersecurity insurance and regulatory compliance for remote work.
Workspot's unified digital workplace platform enables IT to cost-effectively deliver secure access to web apps, virtual apps, and virtual desktops to end-users on any device. End users get a single unified client interface on any device. And IT gets a unified management console to deliver virtual apps and virtual desktops from any cloud or the data center.
With built-in observability features, Workspot provides IT teams with the tools they need to manage and optimize digital workplaces proactively. Trusted by enterprises worldwide, Workspot enables organizations to scale effortlessly, reduce costs, and empower their workforce to stay productive from any device, anywhere.
Amazon Web Services (AWS), established in 2006, is focused on providing essential infrastructure services to businesses globally in the form of cloud computing. The key advantage offered through cloud computing, particularly via AWS, is its capacity to shift fixed infrastructure expenses into flexible costs. Businesses have been able to forgo extensive planning and procurement of servers and other Information Technology (IT) resources, owing to AWS. AWS seeks to provide businesses with prompt and cost-effective access to resources using Amazon's expertise and economies of scale, as and when their business requires. Currently, AWS offers a robust, scalable, economic infrastructure platform on the cloud powering an extensive array of businesses worldwide. It operates across numerous industries with data center locations in various parts of the globe including U.S., Europe, Singapore, and Japan.
Amazon Web Services (AWS), established in 2006, is focused on providing essential infrastructure services to businesses globally in the form of cloud computing. The key advantage offered through cloud computing, particularly via AWS, is its capacity to shift fixed infrastructure expenses into flexible costs. Businesses have been able to forgo extensive planning and procurement of servers and other Information Technology (IT) resources, owing to AWS. AWS seeks to provide businesses with prompt and cost-effective access to resources using Amazon's expertise and economies of scale, as and when their business requires. Currently, AWS offers a robust, scalable, economic infrastructure platform on the cloud powering an extensive array of businesses worldwide. It operates across numerous industries with data center locations in various parts of the globe including U.S., Europe, Singapore, and Japan.
Microsoft enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Microsoft is dedicated to advancing human and organizational achievement.
Microsoft Security helps protect people and data against cyberthreats to give peace of mind.
Dizzion, together with Frame, functions as a prominent independent DaaS provider, with the capability of deploying from over 300 international data centers, spanning major Public Cloud providers and customer premises. Dizzion's primary mission is to deliver composable digital workspaces to assist organizations in engaging hybrid, distributed and third-party teams at a scalable level, essentially enabling the modern workforce. A broad spectrum of organizations across various avenues such as contact centers, healthcare, financial services, insurance, and retail utilize Dizzion's services to establish digital workspaces that adhere to trust, compliance, and security parameters.
Flexxible specializes in the management of hybrid workspaces by utilizing automation and monitoring tools to streamline the management of all workspaces. These can include physical spaces, virtual environments, offices, or home setups. The measures put in place aim to enhance user experience and return on investment by making it easier to support end users and understand their data analytics. Flexxible employs a combination of automation, monitoring, operations, and observability tools to facilitate a mature End-User Computing strategy. This strategy is designed to improve user experience and reduce the costs of support. Flexxible's offering includes a Digital Employee Experience Management tool, FlexxClient, and Desktop as a Service product, FlexxDesktop. Flexxible's mission is to empower enterprises to harness the potential of end-user computing, providing them with the confidence, knowledge, and capability to leverage technology in a way that suits their needs effectively.
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Features of Desktop as a Service
Updated September 2025
Mandatory Features:
A tool to manage virtual desktop resources, users and assignments.
A remote desktop protocol that provides secure access to virtual desktops or applications.
Support for the ability to connect from a range of endpoints, including those running Windows, macOS and less common browsers.
A cloud control plane hosted by a public cloud or other service provider. DaaS operations are performed from this control plane, which also brokers connections to VMs. The control plane is managed and maintained by the vendor.
Peer Lessons Learned for Desktop as a Service
Published May 2025
These lessons focuses on the responses to the questions: “If you could start over, what would your organization do differently?” and “What one piece of advice would you give other prospective customers?”