The Oxford Dictionary defines disruption as a “disturbance or problems which interrupt an event, activity, or process”.Let’s face it; we don’t tend to like disturbances or problems, especially when they interfere with our regularly scheduled programs. We like it even less when disruptions interfere with our business.Some business disruptions — like scheduled maintenance and relocations — are planned. Others — like power failures and fires — can take businesses by surprise. Whether planned or unplanned, disruptions need to be mitigated so that businesses can continue to function.A stellar way to ensure business continuity is by using a cloud desktop, or Desktop as a Service. Desktop as a Service allows a desktop environment to be spread across multiple devices and platforms so that employees can access virtualised desktops and applications at various locations. Documents, e-mails, calendars, contacts, and software are all accessible with an approved login from any browser. Beyond being convenient for an increasingly mobile workforce, this access has tangible advantages when it comes to business continuity.In a subtropical location like Bermuda, hurricanes and tropical storms are par for the course. When these weather systems threaten to disrupt business by making it unsafe for employees to travel to work, cloud desktop services can make it possible for these employees to work from home, thereby mitigating the lost productivity and salary costs for the day(s) disrupted by the storm.Employee commute may not be the only disrupted business activity.What if the office building itself suffers extensive damage during the storm, destroying everything inside?If all the servers and data were housed in that one location, it would cause irreparable damage to the business.With a cloud service, the data is secure. Your data is stored in a data centre, which has its own authentication processes and firewall protections to prevent intrusions.The real benefit of the data centre, however, is its ability to assist with disaster recovery; even if your location is hit, your data is safe and available to your employees.While business continuity is invaluable, Desktop as a Service is not an expensive investment. In fact, a key benefit is the elimination of capital expenditures for hardware, software and networking equipment.By moving from a capital expenditure to a monthly operating expense for the service, your business can have greater financial flexibility and control over IT spending.Disruptions happen, whether we like them or not. With Desktop as a Service, business can work around disruptions to continue to flourish.It’s business, as usual.Derek Hardy is the Head of Business Development at Digicel Business. To find out more about Desktop as a Service or other business solutions, please call Derek at 500-5000 or e-mail BDA_business@digicelgroup.com.