The Benefits of Hosted Desktops for SMEs

 

Businesses of all sizes are increasingly migrating their IT infrastructure to the cloud. However, it is small and medium sized enterprises that stand to gain the most from adopting cloud services. This is primarily because of the way in which cloud services are charged; with cloud services, computing resources are reduced to a granular level, meaning, for example, that users are charged per-user or per block of storage space. The reason that this is better suited to smaller enterprises is because they have fewer users and so the cost is relatively low and the benefits are maximised. For larger businesses, it is often more cost-effective to build company infrastructure and manage it onsite. SMEs do not have the necessary resources for this and so, for them, cloud computing is extremely beneficial.

There are many services that are offered via the cloud. In this article, we will focus on hosted desktops and the benefits of this service for SMEs.

What are Hosted Desktops?

Hosted desktops are a business cloud computing service that provides an alternative to conventional computing. With conventional computing, data tends to be stored on hard drives and programs and applications are run on company servers located in-house. This often necessitates entire rooms full of equipment such as servers, routers, switches, cables and such like. This is costly to set up initially and also requires significant ongoing costs to maintain, manage and upgrade. With technology advancing ever-more rapidly, obsolescence cycles are shortening and these costs, therefore, are only increasing. Cloud computing removes this burden, which becomes the concern of the company providing the service.

Because a hosted desktop is a cloud service, it is delivered remotely via the internet. All of the larger equipment is owned, housed and maintained by the company providing the service. You pay a monthly fee for the service and this is typically calculated on a per-user basis. All of your business applications can be accessed anywhere that there is an internet connection and on any web-enabled device. With hosted desktops, your data will be stored offsite in the provider’s data centre.

How Hosted Desktops Benefit SMEs

As previously mentioned, SMEs can reap the maximum benefits from cloud computing because their relatively low number of users keeps the cost down. To build and maintain an infrastructure on your premises that would offer the same performance levels as hosted desktops would most probably be beyond your financial reach as an SME. So, for a relatively low monthly cost, you can enjoy a far superior performance compared to the typical onsite alternative. This, in turn, will boost efficiency and productivity, which is great for your bottom line. In addition, you can further reduce IT expenditure by escaping obsolescence cycles. Cloud computing providers upgrade their equipment ever few years, so you will always benefit from high-end technology but without footing the bill for it. Because hosted desktops are maintained and supported by the provider, you can save on staffing costs as you won’t need a full IT department anymore.

If yours is one of the growing number of businesses that is embracing flexible working and becoming more mobile, cloud computing is ideal for you. This is because cloud-based applications and files stored in the cloud can be accessed on any web-enabled device and at any location where there is an internet connection. Whether your staff members are working from home or on the go, they will be able to access all of the tools that they need to work efficiently and effectively.

Another key benefit of hosted desktops is the ease with which you can increase capacity. Whether you need to add or remove users or require additional bandwidth and storage, these needs can be met instantly. You can enjoy an infinite capacity – the sky is your limit!

With cloud computing, you don’t have to worry about complex disaster recovery plans because this is taken care of for you. You have the peace of mind in knowing that all of your data is backed up for you and you can have your files replicated for additional protection. Because your vital data is stored offsite, it will remain available to you whenever you need it. If you are suffering from a disaster such as a flood or fire on your premises or loss or theft of company devices, you will still be able to access all of your data and ensure business continuity. Because the service is maintained by your provider, you will benefit from ongoing maintenance and support whenever it’s needed.

Key Benefits at a Glance

• No initial capital outlay
• No additional maintenance & support contracts
• Per-user pricing structure/ simple monthly payments
• Easy scalability
• Increased performance
• Business protection & continuity
• Enhanced mobility and flexibility
• Infinite capacity

At Midland Networks, we provide hosted desktops to businesses based in Solihull, Redditch, Wolverhampton and the entire West Midlands region. Contact us today for more information.