This article is to highlight some of the reasons why our virtual
Hosted Desktop or Desktop as a Service (DAAS)
DAAS takes a hosted desktop to the next level. The supplier of the hosted desktop will also look after your whole practice’s IT support needs. So whether this is installing the latest updates from your software supplier, or fixing issues with a printer, this is taken care of by your provider of the hosted desktop. It is essentially a hosted desktop with added service. In no particular order is a list of 7 key benefits that are increasing the popularity of Desktop as a Service.
Security:
Servers should be co-located in at least two secure data centres. If one data centre becomes unavailable, your practice will still be able to access all of the programs. A data centre will ensure there is 24/7 physical security and CCTV. Plus you can expect the latest anti-virus software to be running. In 99% of cases your data is far safer in a secure data centre than your office. So you can be confident that your hosted desktop for accountants will keep your clients data safe.
Cash Flow:
Hosted desktops for accountants work on a pay per month per user basis. This means cash flow can be tightly managed. In this economic environment this is critical. Firms of accountants won’t have to make large capital expenditure on servers, upgrading desktop computer hardware. Only pay for what you need.
Operating Costs:
If you’re running a server in your office, this could be costing up to £200 per annum per server in electricity. Firms can also consider replacing existing desktop PC’s and laptop’s with thin client terminals, which will save running costs of at least 30% (conservative figure) compared to a laptop. This coupled with the fact that a Thin client terminal will only set you back around £170. Below are some very rough figures to show energy usage. A laptop uses approx. 25 Watts, compared to a thin client box which will use under 8 watts, including the monitor. To calculate how much your laptop costs per day, you need to do the following calculation.
| Watts X Hours Used | = Total Cost |
| 1000 |
Keeping hardware up to date:
Due the increasing functionality in most major software products, the requirement for hardware to keep up is becoming increasingly important. Hardware upgrades now see a revolving door in accountancy firms of all sizes. With our hosted desktop for accountants you don’t need to worry about upgrading hardware.
Technical support:
If you’re looking at a supplier in a vertical market i.e) accountancy firms, then your supplier will have a very good understanding of the infrastructure of the programs. They should have a close working relationship with the main compliance, bookkeeping and document management suppliers like Iris, BTC, CCH, Digita, Sage etc. You should ask them what suppliers they currently work with. Our team have a close working relationship to enable speedy support for your hosted desktop for accountants solution.
Accessibility:
You can access your practice software in any location with an internet connection at any time. Whether you’re using an iPad, Laptop, a Thin Client terminal or through a web browser all should be possible with your desktop as a service provider. This means you can access your hosted desktop for accountants where you are when you need.
Flexible working patterns:
If your accountancy firm is considering offering working from home as a solution, whether to save costs or provide flexibility to your staff then our virtual hosted hesktop will make this easy.
7 Benefits of a hosted desktop for accountants - summary
- Security
- Cash Flow
- Operating Costs
- Keeping hardware up to date
- Technical support
- Accessibility Flexible
- Working Patterns
Want to know more about our hosted desktop for accountants?
Follow the link to organise a free trial of our virtual hosted desktop or feel free to call us on 0800 440 2282.