The U.S. Chamber of Commerce lists digital literacy and data literacy as among the top 10 in-demand job skills over the next 10 years, with IT growth estimated at 0.6% growth. What that tells you is hiring will be flat and enterprises will be making exceedingly careful, strategic hires. They will be looking to continue cost efficiencies, further automate more routine processes and dedicate IT time to AI functionality, improving CX experience and moving ahead on their cloud journey. In this environment, looking ahead to 2024, enterprises will want endpoint management to require minimal IT time, as IT focuses on cloud computing, AI, application development and other value-added tasks.

In EMEA 2024 looks to be similar with enterprises wanting to find efficiencies in IT budgets and further liberate IT from day-to-day processes like endpoint management. None of this is surprising to IGEL. We live and breathe virtualization and endpoint management every day and deliver an endpoint platform that enables IT to quickly and easily control, manage and secure remote endpoints. At the heart of our platform is IGEL OS which has been and will continue to be the solution to a streamlined, secure, efficient way to deliver data to our hybrid workforce generation.

“Mobilizing” the Desktop

In the hybrid work environment, 2024 will be a great time to evolve the concept of the desktop to thinking of it as more like a mobile device – regardless of what you’re using and where you are, you can have access to the data and applications you need, much of which is delivered from the cloud.  When you’re in an airport lounge using your mobile device to do some work, you’re not normally engaging IT.  This flexible, independent way to work – the ideal digital experience – is how we should be thinking in 2024 and beyond, and especially for our desktops.

How do we ‘mobilize’ our desktops? Well, it’s not just about buying laptops. First and foremost is separating the device and OS from the applications and placing as many applications as possible in the cloud, either via DaaS or moving them to SaaS. This move enables a secure environment, where applications and data are no longer on the device – meaning the enterprise is less prone to risk. Whether you use an iOS or Android, you can easily retrieve your applications – no handholding from IT necessary. Desktops must mirror this, acting as mobile endpoints and requiring little IT support due to having an endpoint management platform that enables approved users to get what they need, when they need it. Part of this environment is a stellar threat defense with user access control through policy enforcement, multi-factor authentication, and single sign-on, all requiring minimal IT time.

Another aspect of endpoint freedom is, that by separating OS from applications, security patching, backend updates, and other updates can be done automatically in the cloud, saving considerable IT time and costs.

Freeing IT from the Endpoint

Besides automated updates and patching, IT staff needs an endpoint management system that is organized, unified, and does not add needless complexity. In IGEL’s case we have been providing our management platform – the latest release being UMS 12 – upgraded and user friendly, enabling IT to deliver secure workspaces and access to applications, wherever they are, on any endpoint device.

As 2024 fast approaches, we at IGEL are committed to helping enterprises make the best use of their valued IT teams, moving the focus from the traditional desktop, to a more mobile like, cloud driven endpoint and providing the tools to spend less time on endpoint management and more on CX and business value.

Contact us and let’s see how we can help you benefit from the best endpoint solutions-in 2024.

The post Digital Thinking: 2024 – IT Focuses on High-Value Work with Streamlined Endpoint Management appeared first on IGEL.

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is widely used as a method to securely deliver virtual desktops and apps. However, many organizations still struggle to overcome the high entry bar needed to deploy an effective VDI. Large investments in staff/time and hardware and technical expertise stand in the way of most organizations trying to take advantage of the security, management, and end-user experience benefits VDI can offer.

Additionally, organizations normally have to maintain Windows on all their physical endpoint devices. This calls for further ongoing investment in both money and time. However, there is a workaround for companies eager to get the numerous benefits of VDI: repurposing thin clients and other computing hardware.

How do you repurpose a thin client?

Repurposing is the process of converting something to be used for something more than it was manufactured for. When it comes to thin clients, repurposing allows you to use them for a vast range of business workloads. Essentially, the process allows you to convert existing PCs and thin clients into more powerful and efficient endpoint devices while adding years of continued productive operation.

A traditional thin client is a watered-down version of a computer. It comes with limited CPU and memory resources. Additionally, it lacks plenty of local storage, with much of what is available being taken up by the device’s operating system. However, the device does have networking and graphics. Thin clients are mostly used to connect to remote servers, which host virtual apps and desktops within a datacenter or cloud.

The concept behind thin clients is to provide businesses with “terminals” from where they can run all of their applications on a centralized server group or from the cloud. Users can access their data and applications by remotely logging onto desktop sessions on the provided servers. The major advantages with a setup of this kind include greater security, stronger management and control at less cost, and reduced endpoint hardware costs. While some investment is required in the data center or cloud to house the virtual apps and desktops, the initial cost of investing in fully functional desktop computers is eliminated, since users only need small, inexpensive client devices.

Why repurpose thin clients with IGEL OS

Any given repurposing solution cannot possibly be enough. Modern enterprises require a secure, flexible solution that prevents vendor lock-in and lowers the IT cost overhead associated with patching and maintaining endpoints running on Windows. You need a comprehensive solution that encompasses both endpoint management and repurposing. IGEL OS offers exactly that.

IGEL OS ensures effective thin client repurposing and endpoint management and control by deploying a lean, modular Linux-based OS. This brings about the following benefits:

• Minimal hardware costs. You will eliminate the need to make a heavy capital investment in computing hardware since old PCs and thin clients are sold at a throwaway price. IGEL OS is hardware agnostic and runs on 99% of all devices currently available.
• Enhanced security. With IGEL OS, there is rarely a need to invest in antivirus or malware on the physical endpoint. As a secure OS, IGEL helps protect your company’s end-users and their devices from malware.
• High scalability. Over 100,000 IGEL OS-powered endpoints can be easily managed from a single management console. Added reliability is available in the form of high availability (HA) of the management console, if desired.
• Streamlined endpoint management. An easy-to-use and intuitive management interface make it incredibly easy to manage all of your IGEL OS-powered thin clients. This saves the IT team enormous time, especially when it comes to updating and patching hundreds or thousands of endpoints, along with the expenses associated with hiring extra managerial staff.
• Zero maintenance. With IGEL OS installed on your repurposed thin clients, you do not have to worry about frequent maintenance on the endpoints. You can instantly perform all essential updates from a single management console in a centralized location.

Repurposing aging but still useful computing hardware is one of the ways to mitigate the current chip shortage dilemma and to curb IT spending without compromising your company’s productivity. Thin clients, being some of the most basic and economical computer forms, are some of the most practical devices you can repurpose. However, repurposing thin clients should be paired with effective endpoint management that is easy and highly scalable. IGEL OS supports a wide range of devices and peripherals and enables you to transform any existing compatible x86-64 PC or thin client into a robust endpoint device.

Get in touch with us for a free trial and consultation on IGEL’s VDI solutions.

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What’s Endpoint Security?

Endpoint security is the exercise of entry points or endpoints of end-user gadgets to prevent malicious campaigns and actors from exploiting them. It ensures that all devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets, used at the workplace are protected from security breaches.

Types

Endpoint security has evolved significantly to ensure protection from sophisticated zero-day threats and a lot of modern malware.

The following are the types of endpoint security that are currently available:

1. Antivirus. This is the most traditional endpoint protection mode. You can install antivirus software directly on your devices. It will then detect and remove malware and malicious applications. In virtual desktop environments, antivirus software normally runs in the cloud where the virtual desktops are located.
2. Browser isolation. This endpoint security mechanism curbs any browser-related threats such as ransomware, malware, surprise downloads by isolating browsers and eliminating hazardous web browser codes.
3. Application control. This mechanism simply controls permission and restriction of all applications. It works through whitelisting, blacklisting, and graylisting to stop malicious applications.
4. Endpoint encryption. This is the process of scrambling and encoding data so that only certain individuals can read or use it. Those who are allowed access to the data use decryption keys to open it. This method of endpoint security leaves your organization protected from data theft and exposure.
5. Network access control. This method involves the use of computer networking solutions to secure access to network codes. They use a set of protocols to implement strategies that regulate the access to network infrastructure by particular users and devices.
6. Cloud security. This endpoint security mechanism makes cloud infrastructure stronger and able to resist more cyber threats.
7. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). This is where applications that enter and exit a network’s endpoints are monitored. The security mechanism’s main components include malware and ransomware detection, threat investigation, and granular visibility.
8. Email gateways security. This method involves filtering and monitoring all incoming and outgoing emails to curb malicious activities and totally prevent hackers from gaining access to an organization’s networks and applications.
9. URL filtering. This mechanism mainly works through the filtration of web traffic. Users will then no longer be able to access websites that are harmful to your network.

Benefits

The following are the major benefits of enhancing endpoint security:

• Increased productivity. Endpoint security is one of the ways you can enhance more organizational productivity. This is because it will ensure that your employees have all the apps and date they need on time and can, as such, handle time-consuming issues swiftly.
• Protection of valuable data. Your company’s sensitive business information is a critical asset that should never fall into the wrong hands. Endpoint security helps to ensure that only authorized individuals access such sensitive data.
• Curbing hackers. When you have safeguarded your company’s important and sensitive information, hackers will be less inclined to try to breach your systems.
• Cost savings. Endpoint security can enhance cost-effectiveness in your organization. This is because problems can be prevented before they occur, thus eliminating the need for troubleshooting and manual data retrieval.

IGEL OS Endpoint Management

With the threat of cyberattacks ever increasing, the need for effective endpoint security measures cannot be understated. Their necessity is even greater considering the fact that most employees nowadays work remotely, using home computers and mobile devices.  

IGEL OS is the next-generation edge OS for cloud workspaces designed with the specific purpose of endpoint security in mind. It readily integrates into all leading modern cloud technologies, such as AWS, Citrix, Microsoft, and VMware, and can run on any compatible x86-64 device. 

Contact IGEL today to start your free trial.  

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UMS Web App

The development of the UMS Web App is inspired by a number of IGEL’s customer use cases. With the finalization of the help desk use case, IGEL has begun working on the next use case of device management and control. It allows users to manage IGEL OS-powered devices easily and intuitively via the UMS Web App. As a first step towards this, IGEL has introduced the new configuration section of the Web App.

This configuration section enables IT to manage and structure profiles within a directory tree. Users can create and structure directories and subdirectories, rename profiles, and assign devices or add files to profiles.

Customers have expressed a strong liking for the Web App, especially the convenience of using it to manage and control IGEL OS-powered endpoints. At the same time, they want more control over what functions can occur at the application level. We answer this need with app-specific features to enable more restrictions:

• A new restriction helps prevent admins and help desk staff from accidentally performing bulk actions. It gives the option of limiting users from performing an action affecting all devices, and applies to all device-related actions and commands. User rights for single device or bulk actions for the web app are first set in the UMS console.
• Additionally, we have added a restriction that limits new users from deleting logs. IT can also set up the restriction for existing users.

UMS Console

Monitoring the health of IGEL OS-powered endpoints is one of the main daily tasks of an administrator. Quickly and easily identifying devices that are no longer operating as intended helps troubleshoot problems and maintain a stable infrastructure.

Our newly introduced Heartbeat feature makes it much easier to detect devices that become non-operational. An activated Heartbeat configures all devices to execute a regular signal back to the UMS. How often the device should trigger a signal can easily be defined by the chosen interval.

Every Heartbeat will trigger an update of the new system information Last Contact. Based on this timestamp, customers can create views and identify endpoints which have not contacted the UMS within a specific time period.

This facilitates identifying ‘dead’ devices which can be unused assets, out-of-date devices, and worse, devices that are no longer secure.

Another simple but powerful improvement is the new view criteria Configuration Change Pending. It allows admins to more easily search for devices which are still waiting for updated settings, including the latest configuration to be applied to the device. Once these devices are identified, you can trigger any action needed to complete the configuration update.

Better Control, More Options

IGEL partners depend on us to anticipate customer challenges in our evolving digital workspace culture and to provide new innovations like our updated UMS 6.07.100. Its features further refine how IT can securely and efficiently manage IGEL OS-powered endpoint environments, whether using the console or the Web App.

Let’s see how we can help your customers have the most secure, efficient management and control of all their devices – all from a single screen! Check out top reasons you should choose the IGEL Universal Management Suite here, then download the complete UMS data sheet here.

The post IGEL Builds on Industry-Leading Endpoint Management and Control Capabilities with new UMS Features appeared first on IGEL.