These new UMS 6.08 features will help customers in file organization, sharing and views:

• Users can easily share info gleaned from IGEL OS-powered endpoints by defining an administrative task; create a custom name for the file, then send the view results in an exported file as a mail attachment. The files can be shipped in XML, HTML or CSV formats. For future reference, these views are saved in the file system of the UMS server.
• Besides creating a view using a standard procedure, users can now create and edit complex views in a graphical or “expert mode” text format. It is also possible to switch back and forth between graphical and text mode as long as entered data in either mode is complete and valid. Text mode has the advantage of entering an SQL-like dynamic query, for example, ‘find all devices with a system memory greater than 1000 MB.’
• Starting with UMS 6.08, all device licenses are included in the database backup. Administrators can also back up all licenses made with previous UMS versions, for retrieval if needed.

UMS Web App Enhancements

Customers using our UMS Web App with version 6.08 will find new features to make device management and control even more efficient:

• It is now possible to view master profiles, edit their properties, and assign files and device directories to them.
• Web users can now quickly jump from a profile or master profile to the assigned device and vice versa.
• A new icon set with improved accessibility improves the user experience.

Always Innovating

These new IGEL UMS 6.08 features are just the latest reasons why IGEL continues to lead the industry in endpoint management and control for cloud-attached end-user devices. Our customers will find more options for file customization, views and sharing, to make their UMS experience even more insightful and powerful. UMS Web App users will enjoy more ways to easily organize and view files, with faster navigation a plus.

Ready to learn more? Read the Top 10 Reasons to Choose the IGEL Universal Management Suite here.

The post IGEL UMS 6.08: Download Now for Latest Enhancements in File Export, Views and Access appeared first on IGEL.

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.

Maximum Supported Environments

We are happy to announce that we now support the UMS with Microsoft SQL Server 2019 (with cluster support). IGEL offers an outstanding range of different environments with maximum flexibility for the installation of your UMS server, client and backend database. Please find the complete overview of the supported environments in our Knowledge Base.

Improved User Experience

The implementation of the following pre-checks also increase the efficiency of maintaining the UMS:

• Database version check: UMS Installer and UMS Administrator check whether your database version is supported as soon as a database is selected.
• Free disk space check: Before downloading a new firmware update, the UMS will check the free disk space.

In both cases you will immediately receive a warning to adjust your settings or increase your free disk space if necessary.

In the section “UMS Administration” you will find a new node “UMS Features” to show or hide the following advanced UMS features:

• Template Profiles
• Master Profiles
• Shared Workplaces

To inform you about expiring or already expired certificates and license packs, we have set up some new notification types that will remind you of needed updates. Additionally, you will find a new option to show already archived notifications.

A new job command “Send messages” allows to schedule the automated transmission of messages to endpoint devices and makes it much easier to inform end-users about upcoming updates, etc.

Further Improvements

The release includes many more features and add-ons to optimize your daily work with the UMS:

• You can choose a specific reply port for the online check
• The Universal Customization Builder for Windows is now available for free and no longer requires a license
• The UMS Server supports FTP passive mode for the Universal Firmware Upload
• UMS Licensing ID fingerprint hast been added to the administration section of the UMS (UMS Administration > Global Configuration > Licenses)
• If you want to transfer a file from the UMS to a specific device, the file target location can now be edited in the context menu
• In the UMS Administrator tool we have implemented multi select for the cipher suite list to be used by the UMS server

Last but not least, we have been working on some architectural optimizations that will have a major positive impact on the UMS performance, especially for large enterprise installations which organize several thousand devices in one directory.

The ongoing and constant improvement of the UMS is one reason why IGEL UMS is the best endpoint management and control solution for your IGEL OS-powered endpoints.

You can download the complete release notes from our IGEL Knowledge Base.

The post UMS 6.04: Improved User Experience & Even More Supported Environments appeared first on IGEL.

New UMS capabilities don’t stop there. The new version also includes an IGEL Cloud Gateway (ICG) Remote Installer; new and improved notifications; SSL/TLS Certificate Exchange; and the migration from 32-bit to 64-bit for increased memory and improved performance and reliability for large installations.

These new enhancements are a continuation of IGEL’s focus on the continued platform refinements that provide our customers and partners with the industry’s most innovative, software-defined endpoint security and optimization solutions. The new features are designed to make it easier for IT organizations to manage their iOS devices in the same way they would all other endpoints. Further, we’ve enhanced the integration with the IGEL Cloud Gateway by simplifying installation and upgrades and made it easier to manage licensing and certificates.

Introducing MDM Essentials for UMS

When organizations upgrade to IGEL UMS version 5.09.100, they will gain access to a free preview of MDM Essentials for UMS. Available for up to five iOS devices, the MDM Essentials for UMS app is available through the Apple App Store. Key management and security features include the ability to send current profile settings to the device;refresh/update device information;device lock;clear passcode; wipe device; restart the device; and, reset the device to factory defaults.

With MDM Essentials for UMS, organizations can also easily configure settings on supported devices including allowing or denying camera functionality and access to the App Store; setting passcode policies; configuring Wi-Fi settings; controlling the addition of POP3 or IMAP mail accounts; and, printer settings for Air Print.

Simplifying Integration with IGEL Cloud Gateway

With IGEL UMS 5.09.100, organizations benefit from easy and user-friendly two-step installation of ICG with selected certificate and user support to prevent inaccurate input. Organizations can also easily upgrade their ICG version and replace the IGC certificate.

Expanded Notifications and Certificate Options

The IGEL UMS 5.09.100 alerts users when licenses are about to expire or if new firmware versions are available for their devices. Users can also upgrade existing UMS SSL/TLS certificates to current algorithms to increase security and meet compliance, or use a certificate from their corporate PKI or preferred CA. Further, there is a failsafe mechanism to prevent any device from becoming unmanageable.

New IGEL License Portal (ILP)

In conjunction with the new UMS release, IGEL has also launched a new ILP with user enhancements that make the portal more intuitive and user friendly. Offering a responsive design, the ILP makes it easy to administer licenses from a tablet or even mobile phone. Thus, when working on the road or at remote locations, the portal is now easier to use from any device.

The modernized and redesigned ILP also offers productivity enhancing features such as a dashboard overview where all licenses and subscriptions can be seen in a single view. With simplified user management, the ILP also features an improved overview screen for easier navigation and interaction.

Availability and Support

The IGEL UMS version 5.09.100 is available now.Learn more in the IGEL Community. To experience the capabilities of the IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS), download here, or request free evaluation hardware.

The post New Release of IGEL Universal Management Suite Includes Mobile Device Management for iOS appeared first on IGEL.

I’m thrilled and proud to introduce you to the first version of the ‘IGEL Software Platform: Step-by-Step Getting Started Guide.‘  A free book, written by the IGEL Community, on how to install and configure the IGEL software stack, all screen-shot by screen-shot.

Simply put, our goal is to take any complexity and guesswork out of getting to know the IGEL Platform by providing you with the tools, knowledge, and understanding to quickly install, configure and master the IGEL software suite.

Download the ‘IGEL Software Platform: Step-by-Step Getting Started Guide’ NOW!

We start with the basics, the ability to download the IGEL Platform trial software and perform basic installation and configuration. We walk you, step-by-step, through what is required for you to get up and running in a proof-of-concept or lab scenario.

When finished, you will have a fully working IGEL End-Point Management Platform consisting of the IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS), IGEL Cloud Gateway (ICG) and at least one IGEL OS installed, connected and centrally managed!

All this, screen-shot by screen-shot. No guesswork! Easy as eating Pie!

Version 1 includes the following:

• Download IGEL Software
• How to Install the IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS)
• How to Open Firewall Ports Required by UMS
• How to Create an AWS Instance for IGEL Cloud Gateway (ICG)
• How to Open Firewall Ports Required by ICG
• How to Create Required DNS Records
• How to Create and install an SSL Certificate for ICG
• How to Install the IGEL ICG Software
• How to License the IGEL ICG
• How to Install IGEL OS Universal Desktop Converter (UDC)
• How to Add IGEL Devices to the UMS
• How to License the IGEL OS UDC
• How to Create Basic Folder Structure
• How to Create Basic UMS Profiles
• How to Configure Custom Desktop Wallpaper

Over time the IGEL Community will release new versions. We will not only improve and update existing sections but also add additional topics and configurations, all step-by-step, screenshot-by-screenshot. With steps so simple your Mom could do it but packed with a slew of links for you to learn more and dive deeper!

I would be remiss not to mention the incredible contributions of the #IGELCommunity.  Together we are better!

Stay up to date with what’s new with this project, and what’s technically new at IGEL, please join the IGEL Community and our very active Slack group.

Yes, for some life might be complicated, but now the process of getting the IGEL Platform up and running is fun and easy!  You will love it, trust me!

Download the ‘IGEL Software Platform: Step-by-Step Getting Started Guide’ NOW!

Thanks for downloading!

The post IGEL Community Releases “How-To Install and Configure IGEL Software Platform” Made Easy Book appeared first on IGEL.

IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS)

At VMworld US 2017 we are unveiling IGEL UMS 5.07.100 which provides the new Asset Inventory Tracker capabilities. We encourage all our IGEL customers to upgrade to this version to take advantage of the visibility it gives IT into IGEL-powered USB and Bluetooth assets. The UMS upgrade remains compatible with all IGEL Universal Desktop endpoints, IGEL IZ zero clients, and the IGEL UD Pocket micro endpoints loaded with IGEL OS version 10.03.100 or later.

Third-Party Application

IT and asset management teams will find an additional benefit in our UMS upgrade: they can connect to third-party asset management tools via an integrated programming interface based on the industry standard REST API. This advanced functionality gives IT another level of security and control over endpoint assets.

The IGEL UMS can be leveraged on third-party, 64-bit x86-based endpoint devices converted into IGEL OS-powered endpoints using the IGEL Universal Desktop Converter (UDC3).

Better Tracking. More Security.

Organizations that process critical financial or health data, such as healthcare providers, retail or consumer financial services firms, will find UMS’s asset tracking of great value. These organizations are subject to strict compliance regulations and thus, cannot afford to have unauthorized use of peripheral devices, which could lead to a security breach. IGEL’s asset tracker helps mitigate this risk, as well as reduce capital expenditures related to the replacement of lost or broken peripheral devices.

Visit us at VMworld IGEL Booth #233 and hear more about Asset Inventory Tracker.

See You There!

Matthias

To schedule an appointment with IGEL, please contact Nicole Simons at simons@igel.com. To experience the capabilities of IGEL’s OS, UDC and UMS, download here, or request free evaluation hardware.

The post Asset Tracking now Easier with IGEL Endpoint security and optimization! IGEL’s Latest Innovation Debuts at VMworld! appeared first on IGEL.

Perfect timing, and serendipity, offered the solution when Lockton Vice President of IT Operations Jamie Creek shared this frustrating turn of events at a Kansas City golf charity event sponsored and hosted by IGEL and IGEL Platinum Partner Choice Solutions.

Afterward, Lockton tested the IGEL Universal Desktop (UD2-LX) units and the IGEL Universal Management Suite, and saw immediately IGEL could not only deliver superior endpoints for the estimated 1,800-unit deployment, but also provide centralized management for Lockton’s network of endpoints from its Kansas City headquarters.

Another big selling point was the IGEL UD Pocket which is giving Lockton a means of extending the life of legacy endpoint hardware. IGEL UD Pocket is able to support their triple-monitor workstations, making it a simple task to securely boot directly from the UD Pocket, saving Lockton time. Lockton is also using the IGEL Universal Desktop Converter to turn legacy hardware into IGEL-powered endpoints.

Lockton is focused on innovation and superior customer service. As a company with many locations, often without dedicated on-premise IT staff, and with some of its 6,000 associates working remotely, Lockton is benefitting from IGEL’s:

• Superior infrastructure management via UMS, increasing efficiency
• Centralized management, saving IT time and costs
• Citrix VDI onboarding of new offices in hours instead of days
• High fault tolerance, dramatically cutting break/fix work needed with other solutions
• Secure, robust desktop experience, enhancing associate productivity

Working with great partners like Choice Solutions, we are able to solve VDI deployment challenges for innovative companies like Lockton. Our complete, easy to manage endpoint software is fitting Lockton to a ‘tee.’

For more on Lockton Companies leveraging IGEL, click here or view the customer video here. To experience the capabilities of IGEL’s OS, UDC and UMS, download here, or request free evaluation hardware.

The post Lockton and IGEL Prove It’s all in the Timing appeared first on IGEL.

IGEL’s deployment of more than 2,300 UD6 endpoints for Fulton Financial’s Lancaster, PA headquarters and branch offices is one of our latest victories in which IGEL won a ‘bake-off’ against the competition. Our Platinum Partner, Plan B Technologies, facilitated the testing to validate how IGEL could support Fulton Financial’s desire to upgrade its endpoints to deliver Citrix VDI throughout its locations.

Begun last year, the deployment is a stellar success. In the coming months we will be adding more endpoints to serve all of Fulton’s more than 3,500 end users.

One of the key reasons we won this particular bake-off is Fulton Financial’s need for an endpoint solution that could support multimedia. Like many organizations now, Fulton Financial wants to use audio and video technologies to deliver a richer media experience in training programs and internal communications. IGEL solved this easily because the UD6 fast Intel Celeron® quad-core processor supports 3D and other rich media applications.

In one IGEL endpoint solution, Fulton Financial has met all its key objectives:

• High-performance multi-media capability
• ‘Hands-free’, endpoint security and optimization via IGEL’s Universal Management Suite (UMS)
• Centralized management and cost savings using the UMS
• PC-level performance without the PC investment
• Superior integration with Citrix virtualization solutions

We are winning against the competition because we really do have it all: stellar performance, simple, secure management and functionality like multimedia enabling processors that match how employees want to receive information today.

Take a minute to learn more: click here for the case study or watch the video here.

The post IGEL and Plan B Deliver it All for Fulton Financial appeared first on IGEL.

In the marketplace now, there are technologies, Raspberry Pi included, that were designed with limited capability but that are now hovering around the endpoint space, wanting to be an enterprise solution when they grow up.  Like all solutions with inherent limitations, it’s a long road to get from a simplistic version of a single board computer to a fully developed enterprise-class solution that delivers the secure user endpoint experience organizations must have.

What makes a true enterprise grade endpoint?  An essential element is integrated management that is enterprise scale (not to mention support for accessories and peripherals, which is often the killer blow for many endpoint wannabes!).  IGEL’s Universal Management Suite (UMS) is purpose-built to simplify complex enterprise environments. UMS supports diverse operating systems, databases and directories.  A few specifics:

• UMS supports IGEL OS or Windows (WES7, W7, W10 IoT, or W10) with an IGEL Universal Management Agent.
• UMS is hardware-agnostic. It manages any converted x86 device, regardless of manufacturer.
• UMS is automated. You can instantly enroll, index and manage all endpoints from one intuitive console. No scripting necessary.

If you’re looking at solutions without advanced enterprise-scale management, you’re headed for an expensive, mish-mash of complexity, costing IT time and preventing you from secure management across all endpoint devices. 

IGEL UMS provides a single integrated, low touch system that manages all endpoints, regardless of scale or diversity.  That’s what a true endpoint needs!

Secure Management

Effective endpoint security and optimization also must contain security features that address today’s cyber threats, and the specific needs of industries with compliance and regulatory issues.  That is why IGEL partners with leading authentication and security vendors, such as Imprivata, Caradigm and SecMaker, to ensure that enterprises in various industry sectors have a secure endpoint user experience, regardless of location or device.  Imprivata is a recognized leader in healthcare IT security, delivering two-factor authentication management and Single SignOn (SSO) capability for providers and positive patient identification. By supporting Imprivata we help ensure that healthcare organizations have fast, secure access to patient health information so improving the patient experience.

We are also excited to announce Imprivata and IGEL are teaming up to deliver IGEL OS support for any 64-bit x86 computing device, regardless of manufacturer.

If you’re looking at solutions without a fully developed set of security features, you’re putting your enterprise at risk.

Purpose Built for the Enterprise

From the beginning IGEL has been focused on developing endpoint solutions that precisely match enterprises’ needs for a secure, consistent desktop experience for the end user.  We’ll be exploring other aspects of what makes a true enterprise grade endpoint.  Stay tuned, and meanwhile, check out our new website and explore the many ways in which IGEL delivers true enterprise-grade solutions for the endpoint.

The post What Makes a Endpoint Enterprise Grade? Part 1: Management appeared first on IGEL.

This is an exceptional new recognition – and one we’re particularly proud of. In fact, more than 230 products across 27 technology categories were evaluated to identify the standout hardware, software or services that have helped to move the IT industry forward.

We’re very pleased to be among the top-spot winners, but we’re not surprised. The IGEL UD3 series endpoint is a channel-favorite. Why? Because it’s ideally suited for businesses looking to provide their users with greater access to high-performance computing applications and more intense graphics and multimedia functionality. It improves the efficiency of modern end-user computing environments and gives customers the freedom to choose the protocol they prefer without costly hardware upgrades. Even more, we pair it with the flexibility the channel needs with the exceptional partner-led focus they want.

What sets IGEL’s Universal Desktop 3 (UD3) endpoints (including the IGEL UD3-LX (IGEL Linux v5) and UD3-W7+ (Windows Embedded 7) models) apart? Not only are they ideal for meeting the demands of graphics and multimedia-intensive environments, the UD3 series is also available with an optional integrated smartcard reader, which supports highly-secure two-factor authentication and faster login times. It also features a connectivity foot that offers two additional serial ports for legacy peripherals and, wireless network connectivity or an anti-theft USB port. And, because there are no moving parts, the endpoints are almost noise-free, and fail-safe due to minimal heat generation.

Further impressing channel partners and customers alike is the IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS 5), where IT organizations can manage all their IGEL thin and zero clients, and PCs, notebooks and endpoints from other manufacturers. It simply converts them into software endpoints using the IGEL Universal Desktop Converter (UDC). This minimizes support costs, and offers maximum security and reliability. Plus, the IGEL UD3 series endpoints are Citrix HDX Ready and VMware Ready, and in August 2016, IGEL became one of the first endpoint manufacturers to integrate the VMware Blast Extreme Protocol.

Now that’s innovation that truly makes a difference in workforce productivity, while reducing costs and minimizing management complexity. Read about the award in the December issue of CRN or view it online at crn.com/techinnovators.

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