As 2022 came to a close, economic uncertainty weighed heavy on companies in nearly every sector.
High inflation remains a challenge, and the possibility of a recession during 2023 isn’t something
organizations can ignore.
As a result, finding cost-effective alternatives to standard operations is essential, allowing businesses to
remain productive while reducing costs. For those who want to limit their tech spend and achieve a
higher degree of agility, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) are
potential solutions. Here’s a look at how VDI and DaaS can help companies navigate a recession.
Operate Thin Clients or Implement BYOD
VDI and DaaS both have the ability to reduce operational costs in several ways. First, companies can
support employee computing needs through the use of thin clients, as the actual desktop operations
occur on a connected server. The approach also makes implementing BYOD simpler, which is beneficial
for organizations with remote employees.
Eliminate In-House Servers and Maintenance
By using a VDI or DaaS third-party provider, companies can limit their need for on-premises servers,
eliminating potentially costly equipment. Server maintenance is also commonly handled by the provider,
which can lead to additional cost savings.
In some cases, this benefit is two-fold. Along with lowering equipment-specific expenses, it also reduces
the burden on internal IT personnel. As a result, you can maintain operations with a smaller team or
focus your tech employees on other value-adding areas, resulting in a gain.
Maintain Flexibility Through Scalability
With VDI and DaaS, the resulting solution is highly flexible and scalable. You can efficiently transition
licenses as needed, allowing you to adjust to personnel changes. Additionally, many providers charge
based on the number of users within a set period. As a result, your costs drop if you reduce your
workforce, and you can quickly scale up if you expand your teams.
Start with Pre-designed Images
With VDI and DaaS, you can create a series of pre-designed images that cover various employee needs.
When a new hire enters into a position, you can assign the appropriate images based on the nature of
the role. This dramatically reduces build and setup times once the pre-designed images are in place,
allowing for rapid deployment whenever the need arises.
Support Remote Work
VDI and DaaS simplify remote work from a technology perspective, and using the telecommuting
approach can reduce organizational costs. By having employees work from home, you can reduce your
physical office space, leading to lower facility costs. Whether employees permanently work remotely or
you use a hoteling strategy to support hybrid schedules, a smaller footprint is an option.
Plus, when employees telecommute, business facilities typically have reduced utility costs. Often, the
most notable drop in utility expenses is electricity, which occurs even if you don’t downsize your facility.
However, you may see reduced water bills, too, giving you an extra financial benefit.
With remote work solutions in place, you can also expand your talent pool. Considering candidates in
other parts of your state or country is an option, making accessing hard-to-find skill sets easier. Since
having highly skilled employees boosts productivity, you could see your costs drop. Plus, it may lower
your recruiting spend, leading to another financial gain.
