DaaS Vs. SaaS – What’s The Difference?
As more and more organizations switch to a cloud computing model to simplify business services, two formats have risen to the forefront - DaaS and SasS, otherwise known as Desktop as a Service and Software as a Service respectively. Let’s look at the similarities and where they diverge to determine which may be best for your organization.
Both services are cloud-based and offer improved functionality and workspace capabilities, as well as scalability and on-demand options. They both are available through subscription fees, either on a monthly or yearly basis. Where they differ is in the needs of the organization and what types of services they offer.

What Is SaaS?
This computer acronym stands for Software as a Service and allows for the delivery of software used for businesses via the internet. Organizations, such as your business, may purchase licenses for the desired software to complete your daily business tasks. They are usually common business applications such as Salesforce for all users that need access. A SaaS provider delivers that application to the endpoint. Customers then own the software for as long as the subscription continues.
Some of the benefits of this service include the fact that there are no software installs or maintenance needed, no hardware upgrades needed, and the provider handles software performance, availability and security.
Common uses of SaaS include suites of productivity apps such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. These two examples are common instances of SaaS in a business setting because employees usually need several applications within this service, such as Outlook, Word and Excel. Alternatively, organizations can use Google Workspace to deliver similar functionalities with Gmail, Docs and Sheets.
What is DaaS?
Desktop as a Service, also known as Virtual Desktop, provides a complete desktop as a service. While similar to SaaS, its software offerings are characteristically much more extensive and present a higher degree of automation.
The comprehensive desktop experience DaaS provides customers includes access to an operating system, programs, and user data. Since it is stored on remote servers in data centers, users can access the desktop environment from several devices via client applications or web browsers and thus access company files and applications from any place at any time via these virtual desktops.

Major Differences
DaaS and SaaS have several similarities in that they are delivered in a cloud format, paid via subscription, and help improve functionality and performance in the workplace.
They differ in that SaaS focuses on making software applications available via the internet, while DaaS provides users with a complete desktop experience. They also differ in that DaaS often provides multiple bundled applications, whereas SaaS usually provides the user with one or two specialty applications.
Costs for each service may also vary greatly as SaaS typically asks for a monthly lower-cost subscription and DaaS usually has a higher cost upfront. DaaS services come as a package deal and bundled together whereas SaaS is more scalable to the granular software your business needs.
Deciding on what cloud services your organization needs? Talk to our team and we can help you determine which service may be best for your organization.
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