The DaaS market is expected to be worth 18.7 Billion USD by 2032 at a 21% CAGR, meaning MSPs can play a crucial role in providing organizations with a comprehensive and tailored approach that surpasses the benefits of organizations implementing solutions independently.

DaaS solutions provide an ideal transition for MSPs already overseeing client endpoints that are hosted on-premises or in private data center environments, facilitating a seamless shift to the cloud. The transition to DaaS presents a strategic move and offers a range of advantages.

Among these advantages is the advanced security functionality that is inherent in DaaS environments.

These solutions often come equipped with robust security measures, including encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and centralized management tools.

MSPs can leverage these features to deliver their clients’ data and applications, while ensuring a higher level of protection in the cloud than may be feasible in on-premises environments.

Reasons why MSPs adopt DaaS solutions

A quick path to VDI

DaaS emerges as an ideal solution for MSPs seeking to deliver VDI for their customers.

Offering a straightforward approach that mitigates the need for specialized talent well-versed in VDI or EUC technology, the ease of use and simplicity of management of DaaS through a singular console allows MSPs to establish proof of concept (PoC) environments swiftly, providing customers with access to operational desktop solutions in almost no time.

Deliver modern workplace solutions

The meteoric rise of the remote work culture necessitates technologies that enable seamless connectivity regardless of physical location. DaaS solutions empower MSPs to provide their customers access to virtual desktops and applications from anywhere with an internet connection.

Easily scale with customer demands

One of the fundamental advantages of DaaS is its inherent scalability. Organizations can dynamically adjust their desktop infrastructure in response to fluctuating workloads and evolving needs. MSPs can help them scale, ensuring their customers can seamlessly expand or streamline their resources without operational disruptions, optimizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Optimizing cloud services

The pervasive adoption of cloud services has substantially bolstered the DaaS market. Cloud infrastructure has matured into a reliable, secure, and cost-effective option, making DaaS an appealing choice for businesses seeking to streamline their desktop environments. MSPs can leverage their expertise to navigate the intricate landscape of cloud services, ensuring optimal performance, scalability, and security within the DaaS framework.

Addressing customer security concerns

Amid the transition to DaaS, data security emerges as a paramount concern. The storage of sensitive data in the cloud necessitates robust security measures to fortify against potential data breaches and unauthorized access. MSPs specializing in DaaS offer comprehensive security protocols, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and proactive threat monitoring, thereby assuaging organizations’ security apprehensions.

MSPs are a crucial partner for DaaS implementation

While some organizations might contemplate implementing DaaS solutions independently, the expertise and comprehensive support provided by MSPs present a compelling case for collaboration.

MSPs offer specialized knowledge, round-the-clock support, proactive monitoring, and strategic guidance, ensuring that businesses leverage DaaS to its fullest potential while mitigating risks and maximizing benefits.

By taking charge of the complex billing and licensing processes, MSPs can streamline the financial aspects for their clients. They can provide simplified, consolidated invoices and optimize their clients’ budgets through strategic cost management techniques.

As organizations navigate the complexities of remote work integration, cloud adoption, data security, scalability, and technological advancements, MSPs emerge as indispensable partners. Their specialized expertise, coupled with a holistic approach to managing and optimizing DaaS solutions, positions MSPs as facilitators of transformative and resilient business environments in an increasingly digital landscape.

Why choose Parallels DaaS?

Parallels DaaS stands out as a cutting-edge solution tailored for MSPs aiming to elevate their service offerings. The platform revolutionizes the delivery of desktop services to clients by optimizing manageability, scalability, and security.

Its core strength lies in its cloud-native architecture, which simplifies deployment and maintenance while ensuring exceptional user experiences across devices via a modern HTML5-based web-browser interface.

Parallels DaaS excels in several key areas:

Uncomplicated cloud-native architecture

Built in the cloud, Parallels DaaS capitalizes on agility, cost-effectiveness, and resilience. Its architecture strategically places access points closer to both data and users, enhancing MSP performance and reducing latency.

Fast and efficient resource scaling

The ability to swiftly scale desktop infrastructure according to fluctuating demands allows MSPs to optimize costs without compromising on performance or accessibility.

Global access and modern management portal

Leveraging a web-based management portal, Parallels DaaS empowers MSPs to provide their customers with access to applications and desktops. The management portal streamlines administrative tasks, making it simpler to configure and manage various aspects of the DaaS environment.

Upleveled security and compliance

Parallels DaaS sets a high bar for security by isolating the control and data layers. The gateway service operates within the client’s environment, ensuring that access control is managed by Parallels while keeping the sensitive data securely within the client’s domain. This innovative approach enhances data security and compliance measures.

Upgrade existing solutions

MSPs can elevate their DaaS offering by replacing on-premises, private data centers or outdated DaaS environments. The platform’s flexibility enables MSPs to optimize costs providing a more predictable cost structure, empowering MSPs to manage expenses effectively and enhance profitability.

Enabling MSPs’ cloud transition

Parallels DaaS reduces the barrier to entry for MSPs transitioning into this space. This ease of deployment and management without the requirement of highly skilled specialized technical staff allows MSPs to focus more on service delivery and client satisfaction rather than grappling with complex technical requirements.

Optimize and manage costs

Parallels DaaS optimizes cloud spending by efficiently managing resources, leading to lower overall costs for MSPs and ultimately increasing profits through a more streamlined and cost-effective service delivery.

By leveraging Parallels DaaS, MSPs can gain a competitive edge. The solution’s unique architecture not only streamlines operations but also fortifies security measures. It ensures a seamless and secure desktop experience for end users while simplifying management tasks for service providers.

Ready to try it? Sign up for your free trial and learn more about Parallels DaaS!

This encompasses vendor partnerships and continuity in delivering managed services to customers.

As the bridge connecting organizations to solutions that deliver reliable technical services, the success of the MSP model hinges on the dependability and reliability of their chosen vendors and platforms.

In other words, building a profitable managed services portfolio depends on forging strong partnerships with vendors like Parallels RAS, who can provide long-term stability, support, and innovation.

These partnerships ensure the delivery of seamless services and contribute to the financial stability crucial for the MSP model to operate successfully.

Equally vital is the cultivation of trust with vendor partnerships — a trust rooted in their partner programs’ reliability.

The recent disruptions sparked by Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware have left some MSPs facing a significant hurdle. It’s been reported that their ability to transact as Cloud Services Providers under the VMware Partner Connect Program ends in April.

This shift requires MSPs delivering VMware solutions to sign up for a new Partner Program. This adds uncertainty and potential changes to their existing partner terms and agreements.

This shift could cause disruption of services for MSPs or, even worse, their customers opting to switch providers, resulting in the loss of long-term customers.

Are you an MSP looking to shift from VMWare? Sign up for our Parallels RAS Partner Program!

Why stability is critical for MSPs

MSPs are entrusted with delivering seamless services to their customers.

They rely heavily on vendors to provide stable solutions across infrastructure, platforms, and software to ensure business continuity for everyone involved.

Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware introduces an element of unpredictability, emphasizing the need for MSPs to swiftly adapt and maintain the reliability their clients depend on.

The effect of the VMware acquisition on managed services

For MSPs, service disruptions (regardless of the cause) can be devastating.

This is true for their operations but, more importantly, for their customers who rely on uninterrupted access to critical applications and resources.

Changes to the business ecosystem may pose challenges, threatening the smooth delivery of services that MSPs build their reputations upon.

Maintaining recurring income streams

The business model of MSPs is intricately tied to a steady and recurring income stream, often generated through monthly billing and long-term contracts.

The turbulence caused by changes to vendor partnerships raises concerns about potential disruptions impacting financial stability.

Navigating the impact of change

Amidst this turbulence, MSPs must have a strategic mindset. Some key considerations include:

1. Swift adaptation

MSPs must swiftly adapt to the new changes in Partner Programs, ensuring a seamless transition for both their internal operations and customer services.

2. Customer communication

Clear and transparent communication with customers is essential. MSPs need to inform customers about potential changes in services and reassure them of their commitment to continued excellence.

3. Diversification

Exploring additional partnerships and service offerings can provide MSPs with a diversified portfolio, mitigating risks associated with a single vendor reliance.

Leveraging Parallels RAS: Navigating the transition with ease

As MSPs try to adapt to the shifts brought on by the Broadcom acquisition of VMware, a silver lining emerges – the seamless and comprehensive solution provided by Parallels RAS.

In times of uncertainty, Parallels RAS stands out as a stable option, offering MSPs a robust platform to deliver managed desktop and application services without interruption.

Unified solution, single license model

Parallels RAS simplifies the complex landscape for MSPs by providing a unified solution with a single license model.

This not only streamlines the licensing process but also ensures that MSPs clearly understand their operational costs, offering financial stability and control.

Flexible management across environments

One of the standout features of Parallels RAS is its ability to manage and administer customer environments across on-premises, cloud environments, and/or hybrid scenarios.

MSPs using Parallels RAS are empowered with the flexibility to provide services from their platform(s) of choice, adapting to the diverse needs of their customers without compromising efficiency or security.

Seamless integration

Parallels RAS excels in providing a user-friendly experience for both MSPs and their customers. Its seamless integration capabilities enable MSPs to effortlessly incorporate Parallels RAS into their existing infrastructure, reducing the technical learning curve and minimizing disruptions to ongoing operations.

Enhanced flexibility with multi-cloud support

In an era where multi-cloud strategies are growing in popularity, Parallels RAS can be delivered across a mix of public cloud vendors like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

You can select the best cloud platform to deliver your solutions of choice and avoid vendor lock-ins.

Efficient administration and monitoring

Parallels simplifies management and administrative aspects for MSPs.

With centralized management and monitoring tools, MSPs have granular control over their clients’ environments, facilitating efficient administration, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.

Technical training and support included

The Parallels MSP Partner program provides free technical training and certifications to ensure your technical staff is equipped with the latest knowledge and expertise.

The free 24/7 technical support also alleviates the pressure on internal staff, providing a safety net for troubleshooting and problem resolution.

Providing future confidence

As MSPs navigate uncertainty, adopting Parallels RAS offers a unified, flexible, and comprehensive solution.

Parallels RAS equips MSPs with the tools and technical training they need to confidently approach the future, ensuring the continuity of services for their clients while maintaining the financial stability crucial to building an MSP business model.

Sign up for the Parallels Partner program and learn how Parallels RAS can help your MSP business.

However, as technology evolves, so do the demands of modern workers and IT managers. 

In this blog post, I’ll explore the pain points of traditional Microsoft RDS deployments and unveil the top-notch benefits that Parallels RAS brings to the table, revolutionizing the landscape of remote application and virtual desktop delivery.

What is Microsoft RDS?

Since its initial release with Windows Server 2008, Microsoft RDS has been a cornerstone of remote computing, bringing together various server roles like Remote Desktop Session Host, Virtualization Host, Licensing, Connection Broker, and Web Access.

While the original RDS solution has facilitated remote collaboration, it may no longer meet the evolving needs of IT managers and the workforce.

Microsoft RDS: Major pain points

The changing landscape of work styles and practices

Organizations are increasingly embracing adaptable frameworks, enabling employees to operate remotely and in physical offices. This shift towards hybrid and remote work signifies a fundamental change in the traditional workplace and compounds the challenges for RDS business users.

According to the 2023 Parallels hybrid cloud survey, a substantial number of respondents—77%—have embraced a hybrid working model with teams seamlessly transitioning between on-site and remote work.

64% of survey participants have already adopted a hybrid cloud strategy, effectively utilizing both on-premises and cloud infrastructures.

The flexibility it provides is the primary motivation for 49% of respondents to adopt hybrid virtualization technology.

This transformative evolution is propelled by advancements in communication tools, a heightened awareness of the importance of a healthy work-life balance, and the resilience demonstrated in the face of global disruptions. Collectively, these factors prompt a reassessment of conventional work structures.

For RDS environments, the inability to cater to evolving business demands and shifting employee work habits is exacerbated by limited hybrid capabilities.

However, Parallels RAS can help overcome this challenge.

With its support for hybrid deployments and a diverse set of features facilitating work-from-anywhere practices, businesses with RDS environments can move forward and align with the dynamic landscape of modern working habits and practices.

Parallels virtualization solutions

Parallels has been pioneering virtualization solutions for businesses and users around the world since 1999, enabling access to critical data and applications for millions of customers.

Parallels has a range of different solutions that can address the different business and IT needs and complexities of RDS customers.

Parallels RAS (Remote Application Server)

Parallels RAS is a versatile virtual application and desktop delivery solution, enabling secure remote work for organizations of all sizes.

It provides an agile, cloud-ready foundation with end-to-end security and a centralized management console.

Support on-premises, hybrid, or public cloud deployments and seamless integration with platforms like Azure Virtual Desktop and Amazon EC2.

This solution offers flexibility, scalability, and IT agility to swiftly respond to evolving business requirements under a comprehensive, single licensing model that includes 24/7 technical support plus access to free training sessions and other learning materials.

It is a delivery solution.

It’s not the hypervisor, but we support many different hypervisors, including VMware ESX, Microsoft Hyper-V, Scale, Nutanix, and other popular options.

Parallels RAS is not the content host or the “back end,” though we offer the flexibility to connect to various infrastructure types.

Parallels RAS is the delivery management and customer experience side of a virtual desktop infrastructure. It sits on the hypervisor between the end user and the content, servers, and the back-end VDI solution.

Introducing Parallels RAS, your RDS alternative!

Parallels RAS can not only deliver on the same core use cases that lead many customers to opt for an RDS environment in the first place but also mitigate the typical pain points many customers are currently dealing with.

More choices for hybrid and migration

RDS offers limited support for remote working practices and phase-out migration plans like moving to a cloud environment.

However, Parallels RAS supports on-premises, cloud and multi-cloud, hybrid, and native support for cloud technologies like Azure Virtual Desktop.

All infrastructure is deployed and managed directly within the administration portal, offering a much-improved administration experience working with multiple environments.

Simplified setup and configuration

Unlike RDS, which introduces complexity to the process of setting up and configuring an RDS environment, Parallels RAS offers a streamlined and user-friendly experience.

Thanks to its intuitive management console, wizard-based guides, and extensive automation features, the entire process of setting up, configuring, and managing your environment becomes exceptionally straightforward.

This simplicity not only saves valuable IT administration hours but also eliminates the need for costly training sessions.

Fortified security

As an aging technology, RDS demands intricate configuration to meet modern cybersecurity standards, yet there are instances where this alone may not suffice.

In contrast, Parallels RAS excels in enhancing security throughout crucial phases of application and desktop delivery.

For instance, it employs cutting-edge TLS 1.3 security protocols that ensure robust protection. Moreover, Parallels RAS extends security measures to end users through multi-factor Authentication (MFA).

The inclusion of thorough auditing, user monitoring, and forensics adds a layer of detailed security analytics that sets Parallels RAS apart in the cybersecurity realm.

Rich innovation

Ineffectual solutions that fail to align with your evolving needs can significantly hinder productivity, a common challenge faced by numerous RDS users.

Parallels RAS addresses this issue by prioritizing innovation in areas of security, flexibility, user experience, and cost optimization. Noteworthy capabilities include autoscaling to empower IT admins to efficiently manage costs, especially in cloud-based environments like Azure Virtual Desktop.

Furthermore, features like FSLogix profile and container management and image templating effectively enhance user profile and image management with Parallels RAS.

Maximizing user experience

Limiting features designed to support workforce productivity can have a significant impact on the user experience—something that current RDS users are likely familiar with.

Fortunately, Parallels RAS supports a range of features to help increase productivity and improve the experience of end user professionals. Features like universal printing, AI-driven session prelaunch, and accelerated file redirection are all aimed at boosting productivity and efficiency within a work-from-anywhere strategy.

Parallels RAS supports a broad spectrum of endpoint choices, with client support for Windows OS, MacOS, and even a dedicated Parallels client for web. The Parallels client enhances user experience with modern and intuitive UI design, featuring customizable options including light/dark settings to allow users to adjust their environment to suit their needs and ultimately work more productively.

Parallels RAS is designed for today’s use cases

Parallels solutions are crafted to address the diverse challenges RDS customers encounter, catering to their specific circumstances and requirements.

Ready to try Parallels RAS for yourself? Get your full-featured free trial here and start your journey towards an improved RDS environment.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, the traditional office setup has undergone a remarkable transformation.

With the ascent of mobile work environments, employees are breaking free from the constraints of conventional office spaces.

Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a pivotal technology driving this shift.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global DaaS market reached a substantial $6,219.5 million in 2022, and projections indicate a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.50% from 2023 to 2030.

Understanding Desktop as a Service (DaaS)

DaaS is a comprehensive virtual desktop solution hosted by third-party providers, such as Parallels DaaS, in a cloud environment.

This innovative service allows businesses to access virtual machines (VMs) running desktop operating systems through a subscription model. The provider manages the intricate Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), enabling users to connect to their desktops seamlessly from any device with internet connectivity.

The economic impact of DaaS

Deploying DaaS brings forth several compelling advantages, aligning with the evolving needs of modern businesses.

One notable benefit is the significant reduction in the total cost of ownership. Like many cloud services, DaaS shifts capital expenditures (CAPEX) to operating expenses (OPEX), freeing up valuable funds for growth.

The “pay-as-you-go” pricing model ensures precise spending on utilized workloads, eliminating costs associated with underutilized resources.

DaaS and security: A robust combination

DaaS not only reshapes the economic landscape but also addresses critical security concerns.

By shifting security risks away from numerous endpoints to a centralized and managed data center, DaaS enhances the overall security posture.

Eliminating corporate data storage on individual devices minimizes the security burden of lost or stolen devices. Encryption mechanisms and regular backups further fortify the security framework, offering a comprehensive defense against potential threats.

Empowering scalability with DaaS

Scalability emerges as another key advantage in the DaaS model.

The “as-needed” addition of endpoints becomes seamless, which is especially beneficial for provisioning resources to temporary project teams or contractors. This agile scalability eliminates the need for substantial hardware procurement, providing a cost-effective solution for organizations facing fluctuating resource requirements.

Streamlining management complexity

Simplified management is a hallmark of DaaS and this characteristic is particularly valuable for organizations with large, dispersed workforces.

The challenges of managing and supporting diverse endpoints are addressed efficiently as DaaS operates with a single central image. This approach streamlines updates and patches, minimizing the tedious and costly processes of maintaining disparate endpoint configurations.

Unleashing the power of mobility

DaaS introduces a paradigm shift in employee mobility.

Employees gain unprecedented flexibility and freedom by offering virtual desktops and apps in the cloud.

Anytime, anywhere access to resources ensures enhanced productivity, empowering employees to accomplish tasks and be seamlessly productive from various locations and devices.

Less reliance on IT administrators

Managing IT infrastructures and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) traditionally demands a skilled IT administrator team. DaaS, however, minimizes VDI management challenges, allowing organizations to focus on their bottom line.

Businesses can streamline operations with reduced reliance on IT administrators, optimizing efficiency and resource allocation.

DaaS adoption across company size and type

Many companies are increasingly transitioning to the DaaS model due to the benefits covered above.

Below are a few examples of the types of companies that can significantly benefit from DaaS offerings:

• Startups

Startups often need to invest heavily in research and development (R&D) and customer acquisition initiatives. By leveraging DaaS and minimizing the need to purchase servers, software, and other services, startup companies can free up resources for critical business activities. This strategic approach ensures efficient utilization of funds.

• Companies with a mobile and remote workforce

Businesses with mobile and remote workforces face many security challenges which DaaS addresses. By ensuring that data never leaves cloud servers, even when employees use their personal or preferred devices, DaaS becomes an excellent option for mitigating security issues in remote working environments.

• Project-based companies

Companies engaged in project-based work, particularly those with seasonal projects and varying staffing needs, can benefit from the on-demand scalability of DaaS. Quick provisioning or de-provisioning of virtual desktops aligns seamlessly with the dynamic demands of project-based businesses.

Embracing a productive future with DaaS

In conclusion, Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a transformative solution applicable to businesses of all sizes and industries.

Its myriad benefits like cost reduction, improved cybersecurity, heightened productivity, and simplified management combine to position DaaS as an invaluable asset for companies navigating the demands of the modern business landscape.

By embracing DaaS, businesses empower employees with the flexibility and mobility necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic and evolving work environments.

Parallels DaaS allows you to unlock your organization’s full potential with a cutting-edge DaaS solution that delivers seamless, secure, and flexible application and desktop experiences from the cloud.

The solution offers users instant access to their virtual applications and desktop environments. As a vendor-assembled and managed solution, it features a cloud-hosted control plane that enables secure remote access to your business applications, desktops, and data from any internet-connected device.

The quick and easy onboarding process allows immediate access to applications and desktops from any device. It removes the complexity surrounding user onboarding and managing users and applications, allowing even small businesses to deliver and use enterprise-grade IT solutions.

Due to its unique architecture of having access points closer to where data and users reside, Parallels DaaS promises the best performance for end-users, with transparent operations for administrators. Ready to fully harness the benefits of cloud computing and embrace a more productive future? Take a look at Parallels DaaS now.