Amazon WorkSpaces brings a managed, secure desktop service within reach of any business
Imagine being able to configure Windows or Linux desktops in mere minutes and then make them available to all employees, everywhere. How about paying by the month or by the hour only for the desktops that are in use? While we’re at it, consider the cost savings when every single desktop on-premises (and off-) can be updated and maintained at the same time. This is sounding like a great idea, right?
VDI without the OMG
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is nothing new. However, just as cloud-based contact center platforms are more affordable and easily scalable than on-premises solutions, the same applies to cloud-based VDI. They have a much higher affordability factor over on-premises VDI, which in most cases won’t scale. With WorkSpaces, the savings and convenience of Virtual Desktops are now available to nearly any business that wants to take the drudgery out of taking care of their staff’s computing needs.
Just how easy do WorkSpaces really make things?
In today’s IT environment, there’s a new four-letter acronym that’s all the rage – BYOD or Bring Your Own Device. With more employees than ever opting for flexible schedules and working remotely, Amazon WorkSpaces allows a company’s entire staff to work on the device of their choice. With Virtual Private Network (VPN) access to the company network made possible by the Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), they can securely access their desktops and data wherever they go.
What kind of devices? Any Windows or Mac computer, Chromebook, iPad, Fire tablet, or Android tablet, along with the Chrome and Firefox web browsers. And since their data lives on a persistent virtual machine, users can also easily switch devices and their work never goes away.
Provide every user with the tools they require
Moreover, desktops are not one-size-fits-all. Some users just need the basics, and some need significant processing power and particular software. WorkSpaces offers a range of hardware and software bundles to meet divergent needs. Seven different bundles range from 1 to 16 virtual CPUs (vCPUs), and software packages can be as simple as Microsoft Office, all the way to advanced specialized graphics suites. Each desktop’s storage allocation can be easily adjusted, and customized software bundles can be created for more specific use cases.
Companies can save money by bringing their own existing Windows site license, saving 16 percent per WorkSpace versus a configuration with a new Windows license included.
Getting users started is easier than ever
Companies can configure multiple WorkSpaces at once to a standard set of hardware and software bundle specifications, or they can customize one at a time, as needed. In either case, the bundle specifies the system resources required, which desktop operating system to run and the software applications the customer wants to include. Two running modes are available for WorkSpaces: AlwaysOn for monthly billing or AutoStop for those who prefer hourly billing.
Users receive an email with the details on how to download the client software they need, and how they will connect to their WorkSpace. After installing and launching the client software, they’ll be instructed on how to log in and begin working with their virtual desktop.
What would an IT infrastructure that always just works really be like?
Imagine an IT staff that spends more time making sure data and systems are secure and less time solving problems for individual users. Imagine a mobile team empowered and assured by having reliable access to all their data from their laptop at home or on the iPad they’re counting on to make an important sales presentation. Skype with the staff in Kuala Lumpur as if they were on the same network in the next room, which – for all intents and purposes – they are. It’s not a dream. The cloud-based IT infrastructure solution of the future is finally here, and it’s within your reach.
Don’t let an out-of-date digital infrastructure stand in the way of your people
See how Amazon WorkSpaces can revolutionize your IT capabilities and give all your staff – on-premises, remote or contract – the tools they need to get their jobs done. Learn more by getting in touch with CloudHesive at 800-860-2040 or through our online contact form.
