While VPNs have traditionally connected an end-user with the organization’s private network, VDI and DaaS enable users to securely connect to a fully virtual workspace.

As organizations embrace remote and hybrid work models, cybersecurity risks grow. According to our latest study on cybersecurity risk perception, nearly 60 percent of surveyed IT leaders are concerned about ransomware attacks and insider threats — and yet 100 percent plan to adopt hybrid work models. That means many companies are looking for ways to secure the modern remote workforce.

As part of this process, organizations have a decision to make: Should you continue with a traditional VPN? Adopt a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)? Or modernize your infrastructure by leveraging a more modern, cloud-based desktop as a service (DaaS) solution? This post will take a look at each of these options and offer tips for determining which is best based on business needs.

What is a VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) is a technology solution that securely connects users to a corporate network from remote locations via a secured internet connection. This software networking layer isolates a private network’s resources from the public internet.

A VPN enables users to use a public network and access information and resources securely — something that requires a direct connection to a private network. However, a VPN has several considerations that may make it ineffective for the requirements of today’s companies. These include:

  • Installation: You need to set up a VPN server on the local network and VPN client software on each connected device.
  • Performance: VPNs can generate latency because of high bandwidth requirements. This can disrupt the performance of applications and databases.

Today’s organizations require flexibility and cost-effective solutions. Therefore, they can benefit more from more advanced solutions such as virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) or desktops as a service (DaaS).

What is VDI?

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) provides remote access to a virtual desktop where each user has their own customized Windows or Linux-based system. The virtual infrastructure is usually accessed from an on-premises datacenter that hosts desktop environments on central servers. The applications and desktops run in a single dedicated server hosted in a datacenter with multiple virtual machines. They deliver virtualized applications and services to remote workstations. VDI ensures users can connect to their virtual desktop from any connected device.

What is DaaS?

Desktop as a service (DaaS) is a cloud computing service that enables organizations to provide cloud-hosted virtual workspaces to any device, from anywhere. DaaS expands the capabilities and reach of virtualization by delivering high-performance desktops and apps from the cloud.

This virtualization technology has similarities to VDI, but its cloud computing delivers flexibility and scalability. It’s often used by IT teams that want to have a vendor manage the infrastructure and hardware, so they don’t have to do it in house/on premises. DaaS solutions are also cost-effective because most of them offer a pay-as-you-go subscription.

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VDI vs. VPN

VDI and VPNs are technologies geared to provide easy access to remote data and resources. Thanks to the shift to remote work, both technologies have become popular among companies looking to enable employees to work remotely safely. While VDI enables access to a remote workspace in which users can work, a VPN creates a tunnel that connects the end-user to the organization’s network.

Let’s review the differences:

VPN

  • Hardware: Depends on resources from the end user.
  • Data Storage and Security: Encrypts data and allows users to safely copy files to their devices.
  • Management and Maintenance: It is difficult to manage off-site resources.
  • Performance: Is limited by end-user resources and network connection speed and bandwidth.
  • Cost: It may require some additional hardware or software.

VDI

  • Hardware: Minimal hardware needed from the end user.
  • Data Storage and Security: Can limit users from moving data to local devices.
  • Management and Maintenance: Manages and maintains all workstations via a centralized system.
  • Performance: Allocates server resources for each user.
  • Cost: Requires additional hardware and software.

VDI Capabilities

With VDI technology, a hypervisor allocates server resources to virtual machines hosting virtual desktops, which users can access from their devices. Some key features of VDI are that it provides ease of access, user mobility, expanded security, and flexibility.

Why Choose VDI Over VPN?

There are some factors to consider when choosing between VDI and VPN. For instance, which applications you need to support, the environment (hybrid, on-premises), BYOD considerations, and more. If you are looking for a model that allows your remote users to access the resources they need securely, VDIs can be a more comprehensive solution. Here are some advantages of VDI over VPNs:

  • In most cases, the user can access the virtualized desktop regardless of the type of device they’re using.
  • It requires no expertise or technical skills from the user.
  • Leading VDI solutions have built-in security. The applications and data run on the server, so unauthorized users cannot save data to the user’s device.
  • Users can customize their own workstation within limits set by the administrator.
  • Highly regulated environments may benefit from the independent functioning of virtual machines; all resources they need to complete their tasks are defined and dedicated to each machine.

DaaS vs. VPN

While VPN provides access to a private network, DaaS (desktop as a service) is a managed solution providing security and centralization, delivering desktops and apps securely to the workforce.

VPN

  • Setup: Straightforward to set up.
  • Management: Difficult for IT departments to manage applications.
  • User-friendly: Relies on the speed and latency of the internet.
  • Security: Prone to attacks.
  • Environment: Requires network segmentation.

DaaS

  • Setup: More complex to set up.
  • Management: The provider, instead of the IT department, carries out most management of desktops.
  • User-friendly: Intuitive user experience.
  • Security: Built-in, strong security.
  • Environment: Enables control of the user’s work environment.

DaaS Capabilities

DaaS is a type of desktop virtualization that delivers access to virtual desktops using the cloud. The virtual environment is hosted in the cloud and managed by a third-party provider. It provides broader data security, flexibility, and scalability without the need to invest in infrastructure management. With DaaS, your desktop environment runs faster, scales easily, and is cost-effective.

Why Choose DaaS Over VPN?

DaaS offers a comprehensive virtualization solution that enables users to securely access resources, data, and applications anywhere.

In contrast, a VPN offers a limited scope. There is no desktop virtualization and only singular secure access points to the organization’s internal network. Also, as seen above, VPNs have shortcomings that make them ineffective in working with hybrid and remote workforces.

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How to Choose Among DaaS, VDI, and VPN

Most organizations will be choosing between VPN and DaaS or between VDI and DaaS. We already know the differences between those three technologies. To choose the right solution for your organization, there are a few things to take into consideration. Here are some guidelines:

  • Assess your organization’s workforce (remote vs. hybrid): The first step should be to consider your current organization’s environment. Organizations with remote workforces can benefit from the cloud benefits DaaS provides. Those organizations required to keep some ‌assets on-premises may benefit from a VDI model.
  • Consider the cost of ownership: VPNs are usually the least expensive solution but are also the least secure. VDIs are often the most expensive in terms of software and hardware requirements. DaaS provides the advantages of desktop virtualization with the added benefit of cloud flexibility and scalability.
  • Ease of management: Assess how centralized the desktop management is and how easy it is to add or remove new users on the network. While both VDI and DaaS provide centralized management, there are a few differences between them. VDI provides more control over the data, which also means the burden of management falls on your IT team. Implementing DaaS means relinquishing a bit of internal control, but it pays off because you’re keeping sensitive data off remote devices.
  • The size of your staff and their requirements: Smaller teams might manage with a VPN model, but once you start scaling up, the costs and complexity make it impractical. Implementing a VDI gives medium and large organizations the flexibility to grow their business. Even better, DaaS enables them to instantly provision desktops without investing in infrastructure.
  • The scalability of the solution: On-premises VDI is usually set according to the organization’s requirements. When an organization grows, VDI is limited and cannot provide the scalability an organization needs. Additionally, rolling security updates can be difficult with an on-premises VDI. In this case, DaaS is a better option because the provider takes care of the infrastructure and resources.
  • The platform’s integration with existing systems: The best system won’t be effective if it doesn’t integrate with your existing software. Both VDI and DaaS need to integrate with admin, HR, CRM, and any other applications you may have virtualized or on premises. This enables smooth workflows and enhances the user experience.

How Adopting Citrix Provides a Complete Solution for Secure Hybrid Work

Citrix solutions for DaaS offer a fast, secure, and easy-to-use way to deliver cloud applications. Modernizing your infrastructure enables your organization to leverage the advantages of remote and hybrid workspaces without compromising security.

If you are looking for a virtualization solution, learn how Citrix deploys virtual apps and desktops to your workforce in minutes, with easy management. Because it supports Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services (AWS), you can seamlessly access applications and workspaces regardless of your platform. See how Citrix DaaS makes it easier than ever to support secure hybrid work.

DaaS vs Cloud  Discover the agility, scalability, and simplicity of the cloud with Citrix DaaS.