FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
FAQs
What is the difference between VDI and DaaS?
VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) is a technology that delivers virtual desktops from centralized servers. It deploys virtual desktops on-premises or in private data centers, managed by your internal IT team. Hence, VDI offers more control and customization but comes with higher upfront costs, complex setup, and continuous maintenance.
DaaS (Desktop as a Service) is a cloud-based, fully managed solution provided by a third-party provider like Ace Cloud Hosting. The provider handles provisioning, security, updates, backups, and support of virtual desktops, eliminating the need for in-house infrastructure and IT overhead.
Why should I choose Ace Cloud Hosting over other DaaS providers?
- 99.99% uptime – Ensures uninterrupted access to virtual desktops and applications.
- Certified data centers – Hosted on Tier 4/5, SSAE-16, ISO, HIPAA, and SOC-compliant infrastructure for maximum security and reliability.
- 24x7 Human Support – Get expert assistance anytime, including weekends and holidays.
- Advanced security – Includes MFA, data encryption, intrusion prevention, and regular backups.
- Fully managed service – No in-house IT needed; we handle setup, updates, and monitoring.
- Flexible pricing – Transparent pricing, pay as you go model, customizable to your business needs.
What are the components of a VDI deployment?
- Virtual Machines (VMs): Customized for individual users or teams based on their workload.
- Citrix Gateway: Enables secure remote access without the need for a VPN.
- CrowdStrike Antivirus: Pre-installed for real-time endpoint protection.
- Citrix Hypervisor: Installed directly on bare metal servers to manage virtual environments.
- Citrix Director: Centralized dashboard for managing and monitoring virtual desktops.
- Veeam Backup System: 30-day data retention with fast recovery options.
What are the benefits of using VDI over physical desktops?
- Access from anywhere: Users can log in from any device, anytime — no office dependency.
- Centralized management: IT teams can manage apps, updates, and security from a single dashboard.
- Stronger security: Data stays in the cloud, reducing the risk of theft or local breaches.
- Lower hardware costs: No need for high-end local machines, even older devices work.
- Quick scalability: Add or remove users or desktops as business needs change.
- Business continuity: Stay up and running during outages, disasters, or office downtime.
How quickly can I deploy virtual desktops with DaaS?
With DaaS, you can deploy virtual desktops in minutes to a few hours, depending on the number of users and customization needed.
Most providers offer pre-configured setups that are ready to launch, making it easy to scale for new users, remote teams, or seasonal staff without waiting on hardware or complex installs.
What happens if my internet connection drops during a DaaS session?
Can DaaS be integrated with Active Directory or Microsoft 365?
What is the difference between a persistent (dedicated) and non-persistent (pooled) virtual desktop?
A persistent desktop is your own personal setup in the cloud — your files, settings, and apps stay just how you left them. It’s ideal for daily or full-time users.
A non-persistent desktop resets after each session. It’s shared across users and works best for shift-based or task-specific roles where no personalization is needed.
Do I need a high-end computer to use a virtual desktop, or will any laptop/PC work?
No, you don’t need a high-end computer. Since all the heavy lifting is done in the cloud, even a basic laptop, desktop, or thin client can run a virtual desktop smoothly.
As long as your device has a stable internet connection and can run the virtual desktop client (like Citrix Workspace, Remote Desktop, or a browser), you're good to go.
Is using a cloud virtual desktop the same as connecting via VPN and Remote Desktop to my office computer?
What is included in a DaaS pricing plan?
- Cloud-hosted virtual desktops (multisession Windows servers via Citrix Cloud).
- 30-day rolling backups for business continuity.
- Built-in security includes CrowdStrike antivirus, end‑to‑end encryption, TFA/MFA, firewalls, and intrusion prevention.
- Performance analytics & centralized management using Citrix Director dashboards.
- Unlimited bandwidth usage across all plans.
- 24×7 premium support from certified cloud experts.
Is adopting DaaS more affordable than physical desktops?
- No hardware purchases: No need to buy or upgrade desktops for each user.
- Lower maintenance costs: The provider handles updates, security, and support.
- Easier scalability: Add or remove users without buying new equipment.
- Pay-as-you-go: Pay for only the resources you use.
What pricing plans are available for VDI/DaaS?
- Startup Plan – Ideal for small teams or individual users with basic computing needs.
- SMB Plan – Designed for growing businesses that require more resources and flexibility.
- Enterprise Plan – Tailored for large organizations with advanced performance, security, and compliance requirements.
- Each plan varies based on resources like CPU, RAM, storage, and optional add-ons such as GPU support, dedicated desktops, or pre-installed business software. Pricing is flexible and charged per user, per month. You can explore the details here: DaaS Pricing.
Do you offer a free trial?
Is DaaS secure enough for remote work?
How secure is VDI compared to traditional desktops?
- No local data storage – All data and apps reside on the server, reducing risk from lost or stolen endpoints.
- Anti-keylogging protection – Prevents unauthorized tracking of keystrokes to safeguard credentials and sensitive data.
- Screen capture and screen recording restrictions – Blocks attempts to record or capture screen content, protecting confidential information.
- USB Redirection Control – Enables or disables access to USB devices (e.g., storage drives, webcams) based on defined policies.
- Geolocation-based access – Allows or restricts access to virtual desktops based on the user’s physical location (within dedicated setup).
- Role-based access control – Ensures users can only access data and apps relevant to their job roles.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) – Adds an extra layer of login security beyond passwords.
- Centralized patching and policy enforcement – Ensures all virtual desktops are updated and secured consistently.
- Network and storage-level encryption – Protects data in transit and at rest using enterprise-grade encryption standards.
- Isolation between virtual desktops – Containment of malware within a single VM prevents lateral spread.
- Logging and monitoring – Support audit trails, anomaly detection, and compliance reporting.
Can DaaS support HIPAA or PCI-DSS compliance?
Is my data encrypted and backed up?
Do you offer multi-factor authentication?
Is antivirus or endpoint protection included with the service, or do we need to install our own?
Is the connection encrypted between our device and the virtual desktop, and do we need a VPN to connect?
Yes, the connection is fully encrypted. All sessions use SSL/TLS encryption to protect data in transit between your device and the virtual desktop.
And no, you do not need a VPN to connect. Secure access is managed through Citrix Gateway with MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication), ensuring safe login from any device, anywhere.
Can I access my cloud desktop from any device?
How scalable is VDI, and can we add or remove users or resources as needed?
What happens during a high-traffic period?
Why is my VDI slow, even if the specifications are high?
- Overloaded or misconfigured storage (SAN/NAS): Low IOPS can cause major bottlenecks.
- CPU and RAM overcommitment: Lack of resource reservation may lead to instability.
- High latency: Delay between client and VDI host without optimized protocols like Citrix HDX or VMware Blast.
- Improper tuning: Misconfigured hypervisors, brokers, or roaming profiles can slow down sessions.
- No GPU or missing vGPU drivers: Affects performance in modern, graphics-heavy applications.
Can I manage and monitor virtual desktops centrally?
Can we use multiple monitors or high-resolution displays with the virtual desktop?
Are USB devices and clipboard sharing allowed?
Can we make audio/video conference calls and use a headset/microphone on the virtual desktop?
How do we transfer files between our local computer and the virtual desktop (is file sharing supported)?
How fast is the session launch time?
What support options do you offer?
- 24/7/365 technical support availability.
- Multiple channels: phone, live chat, and email.
- Quick response times from experienced support staff.
- Help with setup, onboarding, and migration.
- Assistance for performance, security, and connectivity issues.
- Support provided by certified cloud or VDI technicians.
What is your SLA or uptime guarantee?
How do I migrate to Ace Cloud Hosting’s VDI/DaaS?
Migrating to Ace Cloud Hosting’s VDI/DaaS is a seamless and guided process. It begins with a step-by-step planning and migration assessment to understand your current setup and needs.
Our team assists in transferring your applications, data, and user profiles securely to the new environment. Throughout the migration, we conduct thorough security and compliance checks to ensure everything aligns with industry standards. With minimal downtime and a smooth switchover, our experts provide continuous support at every stage to make your transition effortless and efficient.
Is onboarding support included?
How long does the setup take?
What should I plan for before rolling out VDI?
- Check application compatibility with virtual environments.
- Assess network bandwidth and latency.
- Ensure storage has sufficient IOPS and redundancy.
- Plan user profile handling and optimize login workflows.
- Set up a backup and disaster recovery plan.
Do we need any on-premises hardware (servers, gateways, etc.), or is the solution fully cloud-based?
No on-premises hardware is required. The entire virtual desktop solution is fully cloud-based, hosted in Tier 4/5 and SSAE-16 certified data centers across the U.S.
All core infrastructure, including servers, storage, gateways, backups, and security, is managed in the cloud. You only need an internet-enabled device to access your virtual desktop.
What training or user documentation is provided to help our employees learn the virtual desktop environment?
We provide step-by-step user guides, video tutorials, and onboarding assistance to help your team get comfortable with the virtual desktop setup.
Our support team is also available to walk users through the login process, explain features, and troubleshoot any first-time access issues. Training can be customized based on your team’s technical comfort level.
Why does printing not work properly in a VDI environment?
- Incorrect or missing printer drivers in the session.
- Disabled print redirection policies.
- Latency between the client and the printer.
How to use a virtual desktop?
- Log in using your credentials through a secure portal or Citrix Workspace app.
- Launch your virtual desktop with one click.
- Access all your files, apps, and settings just like a regular PC.
- Work from any internet-enabled device (laptop, tablet, or smartphone).
- No need to install anything locally — everything runs in the cloud.
- Your session is secure, fast, and available 24/7 from anywhere.
Is it possible to continue using Windows 10 on a virtual desktop after its end-of-life?
Take the next step!