Difference between “backups” and “templates”

Customers keep asking us what the difference is and when to use which of the two.

Both are image backups that can be initiated by the customer. Backups can only be restored to the desktop on which they were created.
Templates can also be used to load other desktops or pools. The templates of an environment are also listed in the Admin area under Desktops | Templates.

For training organizations, our recommendation is always to use templates. We do not charge these customers for templates, but we do ask that old templates are deleted from time to time.
We recommend backups to our classic Desktop-as-a-Service customers. The monthly price includes a backup but no templates.
Important to know. Backups, templates and restores take time. Depending on the size of the image, this may take several hours.
ALWAYS shut down the desktop via the desktop operating system (not via the deskMate portal) before backup or template.