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 through subscription- or usage-based payment structures.
Gartner defines the outsourced digital workplace services (ODWS) market as the capabilities required of a provider to deliver consulting, implementation and/or support services to end users who depend on endpoint devices and applications to conduct business. Services offered by ODWS vendors include integrated and ubiquitous digital workplace (DW) services to increase employee engagement, productivity and digital dexterity in support of the organization’s business strategy.