Selectel Desktop as a Service vs Shells
Selectel Desktop as a Service
selectel.ruShells
shells.comSide by side
| Figure | Selectel Desktop as a Service | Shells |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | 3,050 RUB/mo | $14.95/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 6 | 3 |
| Spec score · Desktop as a Service Software | 7.5 (#13) | 7.9 (#5) |
| Product | DaaS provides remote computers through virtual desktops based on Omnissa Horizon VDI in Selectel’s VMware cloud. | Shells provides a cloud virtual desktop that can be accessed from any device, including tablets and phones. |
| Security | Selectel says DaaS uses Tier III data centers, centralized storage, isolation between users’ virtual machines, and encrypted traffic; it also states compliance with Russia’s 152-FZ personal-data requirements up to security level 1. | The homepage states that Shells uses firewalls and end-to-end encryption. |
| Setup | Selectel says customers can launch desktops in as little as five minutes through its control panel. | Shells says users can launch a virtual desktop in less than five minutes. |
| Use cases | Selectel lists remote work, access to company servers, graphics workloads such as 3D modeling and CAD, and centralized data storage as use cases. | The site identifies students, coders, workers, and small businesses as audiences for Shells. |
Plans
Selectel Desktop as a Service
- Configuration 13,050 RUB a month
- Configuration 24,200 RUB a month
- Configuration 36,500 RUB a month
- Configuration 410,500 RUB a month
- Configuration 512,500 RUB a month
- Configuration 620,500 RUB a month
In their own words
Selectel Desktop as a Service
Selectel Desktop as a Service provides remote computers as virtual desktops in Selectel’s VMware cloud, using Omnissa Horizon VDI. Users connect through a browser with Horizon HTML Access or through the Horizon Client. Six fixed configurations are available, each with 200 GB SSD; the options range from 2–8 vCPU and 4–32 GB RAM, with GPU on some configurations. Desktop operating systems listed are Windows Server 2022, Windows 10 LTSC, Windows 11 23H2, and Ubuntu 22.04.
Selectel lists remote work, company-server access, graphics work such as 3D modeling and CAD, and centralized data storage as use cases. Private-network connections can reach Selectel cloud servers, databases, VMware cloud data centers, Direct Connect, and Global Connect. The monthly price includes VDI, applicable GPU licenses, host monitoring, hardware replacement, updates, and security patches. Veeam backup and 1C licenses are optional. Prices range from 3 050 ₽/мес. to 20 500 ₽/мес. The service supports up to 60 desktops per account. If payment is insufficient, service is suspended; disk data is retained for seven calendar days before deletion if unpaid.
Shells
Shells provides a cloud virtual desktop that can be accessed from devices including phones and tablets. Users can choose among multiple Linux distributions and access desktop applications from other device operating systems. Files can be downloaded, stored, opened, and edited across devices through the cloud desktop, and Shells says user data is backed up automatically. The company also states that it uses firewalls and end-to-end encryption. Shells identifies students, coders, workers, and small businesses as audiences, and says users can launch a virtual desktop in less than five minutes. Listed access platforms are web, iOS, and Android; the “Works with” list also names Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Android TV, PlayStation, Xbox, Oculus, and Tesla. Cloud desktop applications can include LibreOffice, OnlyOffice, or another document editor. Shells also describes dedicated virtual desktops for AI assistants with controlled access and persistent memory. A risk-free 7-day offer is advertised. The paid plans listed are Shells Basic at $14.95 a month, Shells Plus at $22.95 a month, and Shells Pro at $39.95 a month.