What if you could save thousands of dollars each year on computer hardware costs? It would be crazy not to at least explore that option, right? I recently talked about reducing costs by moving or adopting email, apps and servers in the cloud. But when it comes to virtual desktops in the cloud, there’s the potential to practically eliminate hardware costs altogether if you move your entire team to the cloud.
Hardware savings
On average, businesses replace their computers every three to five years to keep up with new applications, patches, updates and upgrades to operating systems, each of which require more and more resources. A study by the San Jose market research firm Techaisle reveals that for each PC that is four years or older owners spend on average $427 on repair costs.
When using a cloud-based desktop, all applications are run in the virtual system leaving your local computer to mainly control your video, keyboard and monitor. This means that your hardware can be used until it fails. Additionally, it’s not required to purchase a top of the line machine when it’s only being used as a gateway. A professional operating system, high end processor or a ton of memory are no longer needed. In fact, with all the savings you can reduce the warranty level on the hardware and keep a few spare systems sitting in the closet just in case!
Productivity enhancements
Increased productivity is another major advantage that a cloud desktop brings over a traditional workstation or laptop. As long as you have an Internet connection you can access your computer anytime, anywhere. On the surface this might not sound like much, however; when considering users can have access to their full desktop the same way as they do when they’re in the office, the direct result is improved productivity and efficiency.
To make it easier for staff on the go, a cloud desktop means you and your team don’t need workarounds to produce. There’s no need to connect to your office via VPN or connect to an online file share. The experience is the same each time regardless if you’re in the office, at home, or at hotel or conference. Add the peace of mind that the system is always on and connected to a secure facility with redundant power and Internet and you’ve made work a truly seamless experience.
Reduced support costs
In the desktop cloud model, costs for support are reduced significantly. For instance, in a traditional model if a machine stops working there is a period of downtime while a new system is deployed to replace it. Then there’s time spent to create a new user profile, copy documents and set up email and preferences. It’s a time consuming process to get staff back up and running after a system failure. When working with a virtual computer that downtime is eliminated altogether. Again, all that is needed is a computer with Internet access and you will have a productive employee within minutes.
Do you recall those spare machines I mentioned earlier? If your system fails and you’ve got a virtual desktop set up, all you have to do is grab a spare out of the closet, connect the cables and get back to work where you left off. Furthermore, the document that you were working on and forgot to save is still up and running on your cloud-based desktop and the cursor is still blinking at the same place you left off.
Virtual desktop technology has been around for some time now and until recently it was always a costly venture that eliminated many small businesses from the conversation. As the cloud continues to boom, resources are becoming more affordable, which allows us to leverage the technology that was once out of reach.