IT challenges
High costs
Desktop and application support and management consume a large amount of financial resources especially during operating system and software patches or upgrades. Centralised management, reduced support time and cost represent a significant improvement for IT.
BYOD
Today’s workplace is starting to be dominated by tech-savvy users who want to make use of their own computing and mobile devices to get their work done. This in turn means additional pressure for IT departments to support various connections, desktop and application access. Fluctuations in staff numbers as well as work habits mean that IT departments need instant capability to turn on and off desktops and applications. BYOD has turned attention to cloud-based services due to the seamless integration with current business systems; extended access, availability and security compliance that they offer. IT support cost and time is decreased and the integrity of critical business data maintained.
Security
With an increased number of employees using both personal and company supplied devices in the workplace, data security becomes a great issue. There is less control over access and user management. In case of theft, business sensitive data is lost and can compromise the whole business should it reach the market and or competitors. With cloud based services, in particular with hosted desktops which benefit from built in backup and disaster recovery and can be complemented with file and app servers, an IT department can overcome these issues.
Changes in User Requirements
Increased Mobility
Users today are increasingly mobile, with fewer users working only from a single corporate desktop. Even users with a single primary location are asking for the ability to access their applications and data from different locations across corporate offices. Many users also want remote access while traveling, both to remote offices connecting inside the corporate intranet, and when connecting from outside the firewall, over the internet. Economic conditions have increased the number of contract workers being
used, creating the need for companies to give contractors temporary access, often from computers that are not owned by the company, and often over international borders. And of course, with workdays no longer being nine to five, working from home has become the new norm, again often from computers not owned by the company.
Variation in Users & Requirements
As the workforce becomes more mobile, the number and types of users to support increases. IT departments need to cater for the needs of task workers, who need limited customisation as they access the same type of applications; to call centre workers who need enhanced access options to published applications; to power workers, such as developers who need high-spec systems and access options; to mobile workers who need anywhere access. Depending on their needs and requirements, the systems used can range from regular desktops to Hosted Virtual Desktops or both.
The Desktop is dead, long live the desktop!
The recent boom in usage of iPhones, iPads and Android tablets is most likely the biggest driver of desktop transformation/modernization. Most users complement their personal and or business desktop or laptop with a smartphone or tablet. This trend is extended to C-level executives who need flexibility in connecting to the company network. Supporting many devices and offering secure access to applications has become a necessity.
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