Remote Desktop
Definition
Remote Desktop technology allows users to access and control a computer from any location via the internet, enhancing remote work capabilities.
Use Cases
- Siemens: Secure remote access to engineering and business applications for distributed teams — Adopted Amazon WorkSpaces to provide managed virtual desktops that employees can access from home or remote sites, reducing reliance on physical PCs and simplifying desktop provisioning (Faster onboarding and desktop provisioning, centralized security controls, and improved supportability for remote work scenarios)
- PwC: Enable consultants to securely access corporate apps and data while traveling and working from client sites — Used Azure Virtual Desktop to deliver Windows desktops and applications with centralized identity and access controls, enabling secure access from a variety of endpoint devices (Improved security posture for remote access, more consistent user experience across devices, and simplified application delivery for a mobile workforce)
Provider Equivalents
- AWS: Amazon WorkSpaces
- Azure: Azure Virtual Desktop
- GCP: Google Cloud Workstations
- OCI: OCI Desktop-as-a-Service
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between Remote Desktop and VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure)?
- Remote Desktop is the general idea of controlling a computer from somewhere else (you see the screen and use keyboard/mouse remotely). VDI is a specific way to provide many remote desktops using virtual machines hosted in a data center or cloud, usually managed centrally for lots of users. In practice, many cloud “remote desktop” products are VDI/DaaS under the hood.
- When should I use Remote Desktop?
- Use it when you need secure access to a consistent work environment from anywhere, such as supporting remote employees, contractors, call centers, or developers who need powerful machines. It’s also useful when data must stay in the cloud or data center (for compliance) and you want to avoid storing sensitive files on personal laptops.
- How much does Remote Desktop cost?
- Costs depend on the model: (1) cloud DaaS/VDI pricing (often per user per month or per hour) plus the underlying compute/storage, (2) licensing (Windows, Microsoft 365/Remote Desktop rights, or app licenses), (3) networking/egress and security tools, and (4) operational costs like image management and monitoring. Heavier workloads (GPU, high CPU/RAM) and longer daily usage increase cost.
Category: cloud
Difficulty: basic
See Also