flexiDesk, Popular

Traditional IT vs flexiDesk Features

Something we have been asked a few times recently was what are the pros and cons of running a flexiDesk. So we thought this is a great time for another 404 vs blog.
We have outlined below what we believe to be the pros and cons for both a traditional PC and server setup and the same for the flexiDesk®.
This is by no means a definitive list. However, if any suggestions by all means drop us a line in the comments box below.

Traditional IT Strengths

Familiar: End users are generally PC literate, meaning little additional training is required
Powerful: Providing that the hardware is up-to-date, today’s PCs generally offer good speed and performance.
Widespread: As Windows desktops are almost everywhere, application compatibility is unlikely to be a problem.

Traditional Weaknesses

Management Intensive: PCs have to be maintained on an individual basis, meaning mundane tasks like applying patches, minor upgrades and application management can be extremely time consuming and disruptive. There are methods to automate this however this comes at a cost.

Inflexible: A relatively lengthy procurement and set-up process is required to add new users.

Vulnerable: Because end users can and often do store data locally, it’s extremely easy for vital company information to be lost or stolen.
Similarly, direct end user control also makes PC desktops far more susceptible to viruses and malware

Non-resilient: The costs and technical complexity of creating a fully-resilient, secure and backed-up desktop infrastructure are beyond the budget and expertise of most companies.

Limited Access: End user access is typically limited to a single location, namely the office itself, or certainly to a single device.

Big capital expenditure: PC infrastructure requires initial hardware, software and installation investment.

Limited Life-Cycle: Both hardware and software can rapidly become obsolete as technology advances.

flexiDesk Strengths

No capital expenditure: Hosted virtual desktops require no initial hardware, software or installation investment.

Familiar: The end user experience is identical to that of a desktop PC so no additional training is required.
Each desktop is fully customisable and fully functional and users get the same experience whether in the office, at home or on the move.

No disruption: A centralised infrastructure means the end user does not waste time while upgrades, patches and maintenance are being carried out.

Flexible: Desktops can be provisioned on-demand, meaning new users can be added in minutes, with no costs for hardware or installation.

Scaleable: you only pay for the users you have on a monthly basis

Anywhere – Anytime Access: Provided you have internet connectivity, you can access your own personal desktop from anywhere, at any time, from any device
making hosted desktops ideal for mobile or off-site workers. Workers can pick up on any device from exactly where they left off on another – even with an open document.

No unexpected costs: unlike traditional PC infrastructure, there will be no need for costly call-outs (or your own staff’s time) to problem solve or install or repair equipment.

Reliable: highly resilient infrastructure means users have 99.5% uptime and extensive back-up and restore capabilities. With a PC infrastructure hardware or software failures result in downtime.

Safe: Company information is secure and cannot be lost or stolen. Inadvertently erased data can be restored in minutes.

Secure: Individual desktops are fully isolated from one another, meaning one user cannot affect another, either in terms of performance or problems. With a PC infrastructure, individual PCs are connected to one another via the Network – whereas with virtual desktops there is no connection between users.

Encryption: tiny amounts of data that travel are fully encrypted.

Hardware Independent: Hosted desktops can either be accessed from any device including Apple Macs, Ipads and even Iphones.

flexiDesk Weakness

Requires Connectivity: Hosted Desktops need access to the internet to work (although will perform well with a low bandwidth e.g. 3G)

Looking for a cost comparison between traditional IT and the 404 flexiDesk?  Contact us now on ask@404team.com and someone will be happy to assist you.