DaaS is a way of delivering virtualized, cloud-hosted desktops, and apps to end users on any device. DaaS enables companies to reduce costs, increase security, and eliminate much of the manual labor required to manage complex, on-premises desktop virtualization, and virtual desktop infrastructures (VDI) environments such as Citrix and VMware.

By using XcellHost’s end-to-end Cloud Automation Stack (CAS) software platform, administrators can deploy, migrate, and manage virtual desktops and apps on Google Cloud quickly and easily through a single-pane-of-glass. CAS automates the entire process, eliminating the need to manually configure and deploy end-user computing environments.

XcellHost automates Google Cloud Platform’s Snapshot collection and retention to provide a powerful data preservation and backup solution. Snapshots are copies of VM disks taken at the storage block level. They take just a few seconds and consume less computing resource than traditional backups. It is also recommended to have file/folder backups in place such as Microsoft Volume Snapshot Service (VSS) (also known as Volume Shadow Copy Service).

There are many reasons why companies should consider migrating to the cloud, for example:

Eliminate CapEx on and accelerate hardware/infrastructure refresh cycles
Reduce OpEx with automation and centralized management
Minimize resource usage costs through pay-as-you-go pricing
Boost app and network performance
Support multiple office locations
Bolster security and regulatory compliance
Enable BYOD, and mobile, remote and seasonal/temporary workers
Empower professional services businesses to protect sensitive client data
Facilitate business growth and improve competitive positioning
Become more agile by leveraging highly scalable infrastructure
Improve disaster recovery and business continuity
Make a seamless transition from PCs to Chromebooks

Data migration tools include datasync apps, VPN/robocopy, and FTP server setup. The latter is beneficial for large file transfers or for moving scanned data from a workstation to the cloud.

Using a low-cost Google Chromebook, users can run Windows-based desktops and apps over RDP from a session running on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

DaaS eliminates the need for on-premises data centers and CapEX spending on hardware by hosting workspaces on cloud infrastructure. VDI requires an up-front investment in an on-premises data center, plus expensive licenses and high-cost technical people to administer complex environments. With software-only DaaS automation, orchestration and management, the administration is simpler and much less expensive.

Instead of manually configuring and managing cloud infrastructure directly, a cloud automation and orchestration tool makes it simpler and faster to implement and manage complete IT environments from anywhere. Cloud automation enables organizations to focus on their core businesses.