As we become more connected with our multiple Wi-Fi enabled devices, the growing options for many SMEs has seen a revolutionary change in the way we operate our IT provision. With many providers now offering access to the cloud and the choice of a virtual desktop, the one thing that many small and medium size businesses need to consider is how safe it all is.
What is a Virtual Desktop?
If you’ve been in business for a while you familiar with the pc in the office that is linked to your IT system and contains certain types of specialist software that are important for the day to day running of your office. In recent years, the sea change has been away from onsite IT provision to hosted systems where your key desktop programs and data are held by a central server that is accessed through the internet. The cloud allows you to access your virtual desktop from almost anywhere and any device that has a Wi-Fi connection. That means you can log onto any computer and get access to all your kit without being tied down.
The Advantage for SMEs
The big advantage of cloud hosting is that SMEs get all the computing power they need at a fraction of the cost and access to a range of specialist knowledge that would otherwise be prohibitive in a normal office. Employees can access their most important programs, email and messages from anywhere as long as they have a device that can connect to the server site. That leads to greater collaboration, more productive working practices and exposure to the up-to-date technology that is often lacking in more traditional, small business set ups.
The benefits of running a virtual desktop have always been obvious for SMEs on a limited budget. The big question to date has been how secure it is.
Security Risks and the Virtual Desktop
There’s no doubt that we face a constant battle to keep our data secure and most SMEs are now aware that they can be the target of malicious attacks. Many companies opt to gain access to the cloud through a third party that helps reduce hardware and employment costs. The success of these organisations has in part been due to the introduction of robust security procedures that involves the latest encryption and backup techniques.
These hosting organisations need to ensure that they provide the necessary patches and software updates that keep businesses safe. The business itself is also required to develop a robust protocol for using the virtual desktop of which all staff are aware. This includes the use of strong passwords and appropriate usage and good cloud hosts nowadays should be proficient in advising on this area.
There’s no doubt that our online security has become more complex over the years and having access to the right kind of expertise is increasingly important for businesses whether they are large corporations or small start-ups.
Choosing the Right Hosted Desktop
Picking the right company to host your virtual desktop is important if you want to maintain the right level of computing power combined with a secure environment. Like most services it pays to shop around and take a closer look before committing to any contract or agreement.
Reputable companies now offer a more tailored service which means they will work with a business to explore the best solutions for their particular needs rather than burdening an organisation with an unnecessary one size fits all approach.
The company will also have a handle on the complex world of security threats and will be able to work with organisations to build a robust and easy to follow security strategy for all members of staff. That means they have the expertise on site and can demonstrate that it operates effectively to keep a business safe.
I am Erika Chitty. I work for M2Computing in Operations & Sales support. At M2Computing, We provide flexible and affordable Small Business IT Support, systems support, Cloud, virtual desktop and Blaze Back Up services across the South East, UK.