Hosted desktop is a relatively new term in the world of information technology. It refers to technology that allows your desktop to be hosted at a remote location, along with all software installations, data, and networking support. You are given either a web-based interface, or a remote terminal, through which you can access your desktop from any PC that has an internet connection.
Advantages of hosted desktop service
1.Accessing your files anytime, anywhere – With a hosted desktop, all your data and applications are hosted at a centralised location. You can access your files from any PC, laptop, or even a handheld computing device at any given time. Your data will be backed up automatically on a daily basis by your service provider. This ensures that your data will never be lost, and saves you the trouble of investing in a disaster recovery plan (DRP).
2.Secure e-mail conversations – Many desktop hosting service providers also bundle e-mail hosting with their plans. Always go for these services. They will host your organisational e-mail on a secure server, and protect them from intrusion by unauthorised personnel. You can opt for Microsoft Exchange server software for your e-mails, which will ensure maximum compatibility with the clients’ e-mail software. It is more secure than other e-mail services, and you can even have the service configured to access your e-mails using your Blackberry or other smart phones, in a hassle-free manner.
3.Data security – Your service provider will usually provide adequate security for stored data. The server will have updated versions of antivirus software and firewall installed, to ensure that your data is not harmed by virus, worm or Trojan infections. At the same time, high level encryption of data while being transferred will also make it safe from hackers to prevent your financial data from being at risk.
4.Cost savings – If you find a good desktop hosting service, you will not need to invest in expensive hardware. Forget the worries about getting a powerful server, and the best routers for your business. You no longer need to get those, neither do you need to hire IT professionals who demand high salary. Simply go for the services of a good hosting service provider. They will take care of the rest.
5.Working offline if necessary – Just because your files are hosted on an online server does not mean you have to be connected to the internet while working. There are software utilities available that will allow you to synchronise data stored on the server with that in your laptop or smart phone, so that you can work offline and simply upload the modified files to the server afterwards.
In short, hosted desktop services are your one stop solution for all data storage needs. Go for it today to globalise your business, in the truest sense of the word.