Urgent Update: Businesses Must Adapt to VDI, SaaS, and DaaS Now

New reports confirm that businesses must urgently adapt to the evolving landscape of application delivery as Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) reshape IT management. As of today, 80% of organizations are utilizing at least a quarter of their applications through SaaS, according to the latest Parallels Cloud Survey 2025.

This shift, originating from the 1990s standard of local applications, presents both opportunities and challenges for IT departments navigating increased complexity in their infrastructure. With hybrid work environments now commonplace, understanding these delivery models is critical to future investment and value creation in business operations.

VDI centralizes desktop and application management, allowing organizations to enhance security and control over data. By moving applications to secure environments—either on-premises or in the cloud—VDI reduces the risk of data loss while improving performance consistency. However, the need for constant connectivity and specialized skills complicates management, prompting many companies to integrate VDI with other models.

On the other hand, SaaS delivers applications via subscription, streamlining updates and maintenance for IT teams. Yet, this model raises concerns about ownership and accessibility. Organizations risk losing access to vital software if subscriptions lapse, and switching providers can be cumbersome, particularly regarding data retrieval.

Meanwhile, DaaS is emerging as a flexible solution, offering full desktop environments managed by providers. This model enables quick scaling and standardized environments, crucial for adapting to workforce changes or new projects. As with SaaS, DaaS operates on a subscription basis, meaning service continuity hinges on timely payments.

According to the Parallels survey, 85% of businesses are utilizing SaaS, but only 2% rely solely on it. The majority are combining these models, with 86% of IT leaders actively considering or planning to transition workloads away from public cloud solutions, highlighting the complexity of these decisions.

IT leaders face several critical evaluations when determining the best delivery model for their organizations. Security and compliance remain paramount, especially in highly regulated industries that lean toward VDI for greater control. Operational expertise is essential, as VDI requires specialized skills that many organizations lack, driving preference for DaaS.

Agility is vital; SaaS and DaaS typically support faster scaling, essential during rapid changes in workforce needs. Geographic distribution also plays a role, influencing provider choices based on user location and latency concerns. Lastly, the cost model is crucial, with VDI often demanding upfront investments, while SaaS and DaaS spread costs through subscriptions.

As businesses grapple with these delivery models, the focus should be on flexibility. Each model—local applications, VDI, SaaS, and DaaS—has unique strengths that can be leveraged to meet specific needs. IT leaders must align their strategies with workload requirements, accounting for security and compliance obligations while preparing for future changes.

With ongoing advancements in technology and shifts in work culture, organizations must act swiftly to optimize their delivery models. The time to assess, adapt, and innovate is now. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.