What is a hosted desktop?

What is a Hosted Desktop?

You may have heard the term Hosted Desktop banded about in the IT or business world. No real explanation of what it is and more importantly why it would be good for your business. With the growth of cloud technology (systems run over the internet from offsite data centres rather than a box under your desk), the way we’re able to work is changing. As a result, more and more businesses are opting for hosted desktops rather than a fixed on-premise system.

What could this mean for your business?

The beauty of a hosted desktop is that it enables you to work on any device. Anywhere you have an internet connection, whether that be in the office, at home, travelling, or in your local coffee house.

And what’s better, it’s not a limited version of your usual desktop interface. It’s everything. All of your core Microsoft applications as well as the software specific to your industry, every day, all day. Gone is the frustration of only being able to work on part of a report until the next morning when you’re back in the office. All the applications you need are right there on your PC, Mac, laptop, tablet and even a smartphone.

The range of businesses benefitting from this type of cloud solution are varied. In particular, accountants, solicitors, and recruitment consultants are really seeing an improvement in the way they are now able to work. With easy access to line-of-business applications such as Iris and Digita for accountants, LawFusion and Leap for solicitors and Tempaid and Eclipse for recruiters to name a few.

How does it work?

These systems run on remote servers that are housed off site in secure UK data centres. This means there is no longer the need for an on-site server. In turn it reduces capital expenditure and in terms of scalability, the solution enables businesses to grow their IT requirements gradually as each new team member comes on board.

We provide a bespoke hosted desktop solutions to a wide range of businesses in varying industries. It’s important to work with an IT partner who are experienced at working with industry specific software so will understand how you need to work on a day to day basis. A good hosted service should also include all the Microsoft Office and email licences you need and offer the potential for unlimited storage so that the system can grow with your business.

An IT Support package (although not necessary) will also give you the peace of mind to know that you and your team have on-hand help if you need it. A support team will also liaise with your software providers for updates and any maintenance so that you don’t have to.

The growth of cloud technology is a massive opportunity for businesses to offer greater flexibility to their teams, changing the way they use their IT. Asking a provider to show you a demonstration will help give you an insight into how a hosted system could revolutionise your business.