Desktop as a Service (DaaS): A Solution for Modern Agencies

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1 Desktop as a Service (DaaS): A Solution for Modern Agencies Control unpredictable costs, increase efficiency, and enhance security with a cloud-based approach to desktop management.

2 A solution for modern agencies In the past, many independent agencies managed their own data servers and supplied their staff with desktop computers to do their work. Storing valuable information on computer hard drives exposed agencies to risk of theft and data loss. The cloud has changed everything. Cloud-based computing and storage has transformed how agencies procure technology and spend money on IT. The cloud has commoditized IT services, delivering infrastructure services in a utility model purchased on an as-needed basis. Agencies can now consume IT services based on their needs, just as they use phone, water, or electricity. DESKTOP AS A SERVICE (DAAS): A SOLUTION FOR MODERN AGENCIES 2

3 How information management has changed in the insurance industry $ Pen and Paper Desktop Computing The Cloud Everything used to be stored on paper. This system worked for centuries, but had obvious drawbacks. Computer automation greatly boosted productivity in the office. However, desktop management became more complex and costly. It s a whole new world. The virtual desktop turns capital expenditures into operating expenses, frees IT from tedious maintenance, and lets your staff work anywhere. DESKTOP AS A SERVICE (DAAS): A SOLUTION FOR MODERN AGENCIES 3

4 Introducing DaaS a managed desktop service Vertafore has applied this scalable IT-as-a-service model to desktop and infrastructure management with Desktop as a Service, or DaaS. With DaaS, your agency s desktop operating systems, software applications, and data are all centralized in a secure virtual environment in the cloud. DaaS lets your staff access their desktops from a personal computer or laptop anywhere not just the PCs on their desks. They just log in and their personalized desktop is right there. Because data access and software are tied to individual users, not physical machines, you ll never lose proprietary information if a device is lost or stolen. As a managed desktop service based in the cloud, DaaS allows you to decrease costs, reduce IT maintenance, and provide your staff with anytime, anywhere access to all the tools they need to do their jobs. DESKTOP AS A SERVICE (DAAS): A SOLUTION FOR MODERN AGENCIES 4

5 Benefits of DaaS Modern agencies like yours, eager to get out of the hardware procurement and software licensing business, have moved to the cloud so they can focus their time and energy on growing their business. What are their main reasons for making the move? Predictable expenses Your desktop costs are based on the number of users, which means you won t overspend on IT infrastructure you don t need. Mobile work Your staff can securely access their desktops, software, and data from any browser. Low maintenance DaaS manages all updates, patches, and support so your IT staff can focus on more strategic projects. Secure data Your agency s data and customer information is safe from disasters, theft, and loss in a centralized, cloud-based environment. Reduced costs You ll stop the endless cycle of hardware and software purchasing. Seamless integration Vertafore manages everything, so there s no interruption or downtime during the transition phase. DESKTOP AS A SERVICE (DAAS): A SOLUTION FOR MODERN AGENCIES 5

6 The Amazon and Vertafore combination Vertafore has over 25 years of experience in designing and implementing cutting-edge infrastructure for insurance agencies. Our partner Amazon is the undisputed leader in cloud services, with more than ten times the compute capacity of their next 14 major competitors combined.* Together, we deliver a world-class cloud-based managed services solution in the form of Vertafore DaaS. DaaS consists of three components: Amazon Web Services, Amazon WorkSpaces, and Vertafore Managed Services. Amazon Web Services The underlying cloud infrastructure that replaces your in-house servers and provides Microsoft server licensing, remote access, and disaster recovery. Amazon WorkSpaces A fully managed desktop service that replaces your desktop hardware refreshes, provides virus protection, and handles the installation and updates of Windows and Microsoft Office products. Vertafore Managed Services Your services partner who handles all the complexities of implementation, management, and ongoing support for your desktop environment. We supplement your in-house IT staff or local IT vendors. *Gartner Research, Magic Quadrant for Cloud Infrastructure as a Service, Worldwide, May 2015 DESKTOP AS A SERVICE (DAAS): A SOLUTION FOR MODERN AGENCIES 6

7 Keeping your data safe Storing data and hosting services in the cloud is far more secure than other options. From a security point of view, storing data and hosting services in the cloud makes sense. With DaaS, if a device is lost or stolen, your agency loses just the hardware, not valuable data. Confidential agency and customer information isn t stored on the device, so your information stays safe if the device falls into the wrong hands. If disaster strikes your office, you no longer have to worry about the integrity of your files. DaaS keeps your data safe and businesscritical tools accessible; your staff can simply log on to any device with an Internet connection and they re back in business. DESKTOP AS A SERVICE (DAAS): A SOLUTION FOR MODERN AGENCIES 7

8 When to make the move There may not be an ideal right time to make the transition to DaaS, but many agencies make the move when they re ready for an infrastructure upgrade. Moving to DaaS is far easier than a system upgrade. With Vertafore experts handling all technical matters there is no training needed and minimal downtime. DESKTOP AS A SERVICE (DAAS): A SOLUTION FOR MODERN AGENCIES 8

9 Let s talk about your agency Vertafore DaaS enables independent insurance agencies to reduce costs, increase security, and operate lean. To find out more about our managed services offerings, please call , or visit our website at Vertafore, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Trademarks contained herein are owned by Vertafore, Inc. This document is for informational purposes only. Vertafore makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information provided here. Information and views expressed in this document may change without notice. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. VAM.WP.DAAS.0815