Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a cloud computing offering where a service provider delivers virtual desktops to end users over the Internet, licensed with a per-user subscription. The provider takes care of backend management for small businesses that find creating their own virtual desktop infrastructure to be too expensive or resource-consuming. This management typically includes maintenance, back-up, updates, and data storage. Cloud service providers may also handle security and applications for the desktop, or users may manage these service aspects individually. There are two kinds of desktops are available in DaaS—persistent and non-persistent. Persistent desktop: Users have the ability to customize and save a desktop so it will look the same way each time a particular user logs on. Persistent desktops require more storage than non-persistent desktops, which can make them more expensive. Non-persistent desktop: Desktops are wiped each time the user logs out—they are merely a way to access shared cloud services. Cloud providers may allow customers to choose from both, allowing workers with specific needs to access a persistent desktop and providing access to temporary or occasional workers via a non-persistent desktop.
