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Why Your Office Should Use DaaS

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Cloud computing provides many advantages to the workplace, including increased security, accessibility and cost savings. Desktop-as-a-Service, or DaaS, could change the way your office operates for the better. But what is it? We answer all your questions here.

What is DaaS?

DaaS is a type of cloud computing, or computing supported by multiple secured data centers. Information technology providers offer this virtual computing to businesses to project its workspace through a device.

What makes DaaS different?

With typical computing, data is stored on a business’ devices and local servers. Companies are saddled with maintaining expensive, cumbersome and vulnerable infrastructure on-site. DaaS computing is done through the cloud. That means all data, applications and even the desktop are stored in multiple geographically dispersed data centers.

Software programs allow users to access these desktops on laptops, desktop computers, tablets and cell phones, even if they are outside of the typical office space.

How does DaaS compare to VDI?

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, or VDI, is similar to DaaS. Both provide virtual desktops. However, DaaS is hosted through off-site servers and data centers, while VDI is hosted through local servers maintained by an IT team. That means organizations that use VDI to serve virtual desktops have to maintain and upgrade on-site servers, a labor-intensive and expensive process.

What are the benefits of DaaS?

Increased security: Because all computing is done through the cloud, all data is encrypted and regularly backed up. Data is easily recovered if a natural disaster, computer failure or cyberattack occurs. Access to the company desktop is always restricted, protecting the organization’s sensitive data if an employee damages, loses or has a laptop stolen.

Accessibility: No matter where your employees are working, they can access shared files and applications. DaaS makes remote working a breeze. Those inside the office also benefit from the cloud computing service because they’re not waiting on laggy applications and software on individual devices.

Cost savings: With DaaS through Infomax, you pay only for what you consume, avoiding those excessive monthly or annual fees you used to pay for benefits you never used. This means you can also scale the service up or down as your office expands or needs change. You’ll never be hit with upfront charges, bandwidth utilization fees or minimum term conditions.

Easy Management

Businesses avoid wasting time, money and space maintaining infrastructure through DaaS. By using a third-party IT provider, such as Infomax, the all management of DaaS is off your organization’s plate.

Learn more about Infomax’s DaaS services here.

Get Out of the IT Business

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Employees of small or medium-sized businesses know they often have to wear many hats. Daily tasks often stray outside the bounds of their job description. That likely means that the organization’s IT staff consists of one or two inherently tech-savvy people who take the time to tackle small technological issues in addition to daily work.

Wouldn’t it be great if your employees could get back to doing their jobs and get out of the IT business?

Our Infomax’s Complete Cloud Services — powered by Avatara — are the solution. Complete Cloud services allow your company to completely hand your IT needs over to a team of experts. These services differ from managed IT services — where a third-party IT provider works alongside existing staff and equipment your business still manages.

With Complete Cloud, all servers, storage and other infrastructure are moved to the cloud, represented as multiple secure data centers across the country. All computers and technological systems are hosted in the secured cloud, taking away the clutter of hardware your organization previously stored. Your business will never again need to buy new hardware, manage device upgrades or download new programs.

Convenience and security with this IT system are unparalleled. Your business only has to consider one monthly fee to one vendor for unlimited data storage, security and the services of an entire team of IT experts. Additionally, on-the-go staff can access your company’s systems anywhere through computers, phones or tablets.

However, convenience doesn’t compromise security. Though employees can log on remotely, they do so through multiple layers of authentication, so security isn’t an issue. Data backup is also continuous with Complete Cloud services, so data recovery is easy and efficient in the event of a disaster or cyberattack. Companies who need to provide compliance reporting should look no further because Complete Cloud fulfills the highest levels of security necessary for your organization.

And while Complete Cloud services are a desirable IT solution for any company, the system is especially convenient for companies who need high-performance machines to run complicated applications, such as computer assisted design — or CAD — programs. Because the applications will run through servers in the cloud, there’s no need to buy extra hardware to store data onsite and no risk of programs overloading and shutting down.

If your organization is ready to be done patching up IT issues and get back to work, contact us today to learn more about our Complete Cloud services.

What is A Cloud Server?

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In the past decade, cloud computing transformed from an information technology buzzword to a part of our everyday language. However, most associate the cloud as the omniscient and vast virtual space that holds old pictures and long-deleted phone applications. Using cloud servers in the professional world offers businesses security and stability, especially for small and medium-sized businesses who don’t have the space or knowledge to implement a cloud server for their company.

Cloud servers are servers that run in a cloud, defined as multiple secure data centers that run via internet access. They can’t be reached physically. Cloud servers operate independently as software units. This system differs from the traditional server, which is a computer with the hardware to manage connections to other devices and store data.

Managed IT providers — or third-party IT organizations such as Infomax— can help secure a cloud server for your business. Let’s look at some of the benefits of using a cloud server.

Security: Consider all the sensitive data your business must have on file: company financial information, client records, data from past or current projects, confidential employee files and much more. It’s important to keep this data safe and secure from cyberattacks, natural disasters and accidental program or user corruption. 

Cloud servers provide more security than traditional servers because your data is represented in multiple secure data centers that are heavily protected to prevent breaches. If a natural disaster or cyberattack hits one data center, your data can still be recovered. Additionally, all data is encrypted.

Scalability: Because cloud servers are virtual, device connections can be added or removed from the server to fit the needs of your business. Most IT service providers charge your business for the amount of server traffic you use instead of paying in advance for the amount you think you might use, allowing you to scale costs based on your needs.

Efficiency: This model is more cost effective than traditional servers with hardware because you’re likely not paying for the cost of physical equipment and the energy needed to power it. Additionally, connection to cloud servers is typically faster because you use the virtual services of many servers.

Compatibility: Cloud servers can be used with nearly every operating system, allowing your business flexibility and peace of mind.

Think your business could benefit from a cloud server? Contact Infomax today at 1-800-727-4629.

Essential Elements of a Cloud Strategy

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There has been a lot of talk about businesses “moving to the cloud” over the past several years. With so many continual advances in cloud technology, more businesses are past “talking” about the use of the cloud; businesses are now “taking action.” In fact, 74% of Tech CFOs say cloud computing will have the most measurable impact on their business in 2017.

Implementing a cloud strategy allows businesses to move forward with new ways to successfully conduct business. It’s important to develop a cloud strategy that will achieve the goals set out for your business. It’s also helpful to get a quick overview of some “cloud basics,” and exactly what this technology is capable of doing.

Making the switch to digital
If your business is in the process of (or at least considering) digitizing its documents, cloud technology should be a part of your paperless solution. Converting your documents into a digital format and storing them on the cloud allows authorized users to access documents with speed and efficiency. Most importantly, a cloud strategy keeps your employees easily connected, especially those who are remote or constantly on the go. Check out some more ideas here on digital workflows and other document management solutions.

Secure your assets
The information you pass along inside and outside of your business on a daily basis is a valuable asset. When developing a cloud strategy, it’s important to focus on security. There are numerous security settings involved with the setup of cloud technology. For example, you can store data privately in different areas of the cloud for authorized use only. There are also backup and recovery options that you can customize to keep your information safe and secure.

Integration
When implementing a cloud solution, it’s important to consider how it will work with other applications currently operating at your business. You likely have multiple vendors for different applications. Prepackaged integrations can help create a consistent experience for the end user, allowing multiple applications to work together seamlessly across different delivery models (mobile, cloud, and on-premise).

Setting up a cloud solution that works best for your company requires collaboration between your business leaders and a team of IT professionals who can execute your vision. For more information on developing a cloud strategy for your business, contact the experts at Infomax Office Systems today.

Pros and Cons of Cloud Computing

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Cloud computing continues to experience an explosion in growth, with more and more businesses looking to the cloud to house their data and applications. In fact, the Cisco Global Cloud Index (GCI) predicts that by 2020, 83 percent of all data will be based in the cloud. With such an explosion in its utilization, moving to the cloud has to be a smart decision for your organization, right? Not so fast. While the cloud is wildly popular and an asset for many companies, like anything else, it has both its pros and its cons. In this blog post we will go over some of them to help you decide whether the cloud is right for you.

Pros:

Reduced Support and Hardware Needs. When you rely on the cloud to house your data and business-critical applications, you’re no longer obligated to maintain your own data center. The risks and burdens of maintaining your IT infrastructure shift to your external partner, so you’ll require a smaller IT staff, not have to invest in hardware such as servers, and not need to upgrade or replace computers as frequently.
Improved Accessibility. Cloud-based applications and data are accessible from practically anywhere via an Internet-connected device. Your software, platforms, and data are no longer tied to your physical network, meaning it can be accessed from any place, at any time.
Better Prepared for a Disaster. Cloud storage makes your data more disaster resistant. A copy of your cloned data is always kept to prevent data loss in the event of a worst-case scenario.

Cons:

Potential Security Risks. While cloud security issues are exaggerated, nothing connected to the Internet is 100 percent secure. It’s essential that you weigh all risk scenarios before hosting your sensitive information with an external provider.
Increased Reliability on the Internet. When you are dependent on the Internet to access your data and applications, a good Internet connection is essential. Problems with Internet access, connection speed, or bandwidth will give you nightmares.
Greater Costs. Despite no longer requiring your own data center, cloud computing can be pricey. Especially if your cloud solution needs to be customized to meet your specific needs.

Despite its growing popularity, cloud computing is not the ideal solution for every organization. It’s important to weigh its pros and cons in respect to your unique situation to help you make an educated decision. Contact Infomax Office Systems to schedule a free IT assessment for your company to help you weigh your options.