Sage 50 on Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

VDI stands for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure or simply Virtual Desktops. Very much like a ‘cloud’, the VDI interface can be used to work with a multitude of platforms simultaneously. The Sage accounting software can be run on the VDI interface. With this, you can share your Sage database with your employees or colleagues. 

In this blog, we will explain why VDI can be an ideal solution if you want to expand the horizon of your business and to increase productivity.

How can VDI help Sage Users?

Here, we are going to discuss manifold benefits of VDI for Sage users-

A) Increases Stability and Performance

VDI allows both the Sage client and the database shared by the users to be grouped in a virtual server hosted by a service provider. This increases stability and performance as issues related to poor internet bandwidth or intermittent connection will not lead to data corruption.

B) Ensures Proper Backup

An efficient data backup ensures the security of data. A hosted desktop provider in the VDI setup will backup your crucial Sage data at least once a day. However, we would recommend you to first use the built-in backup utility in Sage to take a proper backup of your data. Then you can allow the hosting provider to take a backup of the backups.

C) Ensures Higher Levels of Security

Sage data kept on virtual desktops will be far more secure than that kept on a server or a computer in your office. Commercial data centers maintained by service providers usually have multiple tiers of security starting from CCTV, ’round the clock’ guards and enterprise-grade firewalls. Also, even the people managing the systems will not be allowed access without a pre-fixed appointment and photo ID. All you need to do is to opt for a ISO 27001 certified provider.

D) Cost-Effective

If you are running a business, you would agree that having your own IT infrastructure can be a costly affair. It not only needs a huge capital outlay for the equipment and licenses but also requires specialist skills to establish it. You will also need to cover the recurring costs. On top of all these, no flexibility can be attached to on-premise IT set ups. You don’t get any ‘reward’ as such for downsizing the infrastructure, nor you can trade off your old server for a brand-new one when you decide to upscale. On the other hand, in a VDI set up, you can alter your monthly subscription with a hosted virtual desktop service provider, based on your need at that particular time. This way, you can keep up with the increase and decrease of users, as needed.

E) Enhance Functionality of Sage Drive

Sage Drive is a solution developed by Safe where multiple users can synchronize their Sage data without any local IT server. However, there can be issues when you avail Sage Drive capabilities in your own IT infrastructure. You need a minimum download speed of 4mbps and upload speed of 2mbps. Moreover, poor/ intermittent internet connections may even corrupt the data. But, when you have VDI solutions and hosted desktops, you will not experience these issues.

F) No IT skill Rquired

You do not need to be bothered by the complexities involved with Terminal Servers, Hosted Desktops and VDI. Everything is taken care of by the hosting provider. They will set up and install everything, help you transfer existing data to the VDI platform and will provide all the support you need while you are up and running.

G) Remote Working Possibilities

When you run Sage on a VDI hosted in the cloud, remote working becomes much easier than ever before. This can immensely help the self-employed, remote workers and businesses with a large number of staff working offshore or beyond the office environments. This feature enables the business to share data securely through the cloud. It will give the business and the workers the freedom and power to work from anywhere.

H) Integration with other Applications

Many applications such as Microsoft Office integrate directly with Sage and users can leverage their combined capabilities. With a VDI solution, users can run these applications alongside Sage .They can save important data and documents directly to a shared drive on the virtual desktop.

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