Amazon launches desktop-as-a-service, of course

It may be the most logical next step Amazon could take. At re:Invent today, they announced their newest service, Amazon WorkSpaces. In their own words on the Amazon site:

Amazon WorkSpaces is a fully managed desktop computing service in the cloud. Amazon WorkSpaces allows customers to easily provision cloud-based desktops that allow end-users to access the documents, applications and resources they need with the device of their choice, including laptops, iPad, Kindle Fire, or Android tablets. With a few clicks in the AWS Management Console, customers can provision a high-quality desktop experience for any number of users at a cost that is highly competitive with traditional desktops and half the cost of most virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions.

Does that seem pretty smart? It is. This is cloud computing taken to the next level and shows that Amazon sees the future as a full cloud ecosystem, not just offering elastic cloud storage and computing through AWS. This is a game changer for companies looking to cut cost and reduce complexity, but is also a great way to manage mobility, BYOD and to get small companies into the same league as the large without costly infrastructure.

Is it secure?

WorkSpaces is set up to work with your corporate identity systems like Microsoft AD. No new credentials, no new processes for the end users. Not only does that do away with equipment, roles and tools that most companies consider as overhead, but it allows work to be done on Amazon servers rather than on individuals’ machines, which is far more secure. Dropbox risk got you down? This solves the problem of file sharing just as easily as it provisions software and services.

This is a big move for Amazon but it doesn’t really come as a surprise. Anyone who thought cloud computing is just hype needs to sit up and pay attention.