Gartner defines desktop as a service (DaaS) as the provision of virtual desktops by public cloud or other service providers. DaaS provides desktop or application end-user experiences from virtual machines (VMs) accessed using a remote display protocol. DaaS vendors incorporate a fully managed control plane service into their offerings, which facilitates user connections and provides a management interface. DaaS can be delivered preconfigured as a service. Alternatively, it can be delivered as a platform, in which case the client is responsible for assembly, configuration and management. DaaS is charged for using subscription- or usage-based payment structures. DaaS solutions allow remote workers, offshore workers, third-party employees, contractors, home workers and office workers to access virtual desktops hosted in the cloud. DaaS solutions include technology that enables centralized management of all VMs. DaaS virtual desktops can be configured for a variety of use cases associated with contact center workers, process workers, information workers, and workers who require high-performance computing or rich graphics.
Gartner defines the outsourced digital workplace services market as the capabilities required of a provider to deliver consulting, implementation, or support services to end users of technology who utilize end-user devices or applications to conduct business. Services offered in the outsourced digital workplace services (ODWS) market include integrated and ubiquitous digital workplace (DW) services to employees to increase their engagement, productivity and digital dexterity in support of the organization’s digital business strategy.